The Congress of South African Trade Union has qualified its support for African National Congress deputy president Jacob Zuma pending the outcome of the rape allegations against him.
At a media conference after the federation’s central executive committee meeting this week, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said that they would review their support for Zuma if the rape matter went to court.
”If and when the matter goes to court, Cosatu will issue further statements … based on its historic stance on the matter [of] rape.”
The federation has historically condemned abuse of women ”from whatever quarter”, Cosatu’s statement notes.
This is a minor retreat from the unequivocal support that Cosatu has expressed for Zuma since his dismissal as deputy president in May.
Said Vavi: ”Until the matter has been formally brought before the courts, speculation will ensue and this is unfair to the alleged victim or perpetrator. For that reason, everything possible should be done to get to the bottom of these allegations as soon as possible.”
The Mail & Guardian understands that ANC secretary general Kgalema Motlanthe addressed the Cosatu meeting on Monday, where he cautioned it about its unquestioning support for Zuma, particularly in the light of the rape claims. Motlanthe said that if Cosatu picketed in support of Zuma in any rape trial, the ANC would be forced by its principles to support the complainant.
A senior Cosatu official said: ”We were very clear we have to be cautious. On such a sensitive matter you can’t act stupidly. If you do, it could haunt the organisation.”
Despite the ANC NEC’s dismissal of Zuma’s claims of a political plot against him, Cosatu insisted the matter would have to be settled in an upcoming ”ten-a-side” meeting.