The Mail & Guardian understands that while Vavi survives for yet another day as Cosatu general secretary, the central executive committee (CEC) has agreed to continue to investigate allegations of financial impropriety levelled against him, including accusations that he sold the previous Cosatu building for less than its market value.
"The investigation will go on but he remains in his position. Those who pushed for his removal didn't enjoy the support of the majority of CEC members as purported earlier," a Cosatu leader told the M&G after the adjournment of the CEC on Tuesday.
Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven declined to comment about the CEC's decision not to remove Vavi, saying details of what happened at the explosive committee meeting will be announced at a scheduled press conference on Wednesday.
Those who want Vavi out include, among others, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, the National Union of Mineworkers, the South African Democratic Teachers' Union and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union.
The close allies of Vavi are National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa general secretary Irvin Jim and president Cedric Gcina. He also enjoys support from Food and Allied Workers Union and the South African State and Allied Workers Union.