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Johannesburg - Corruption Watch has decided to relieve Cosatu's Zwelinzima Vavi of his duties as a result of him admitting to having an affair with a subordinate, it said on Friday.
"Mr Vavi was asked to address two issues, the process whereby the woman was appointed by Cosatu and the nature of his relationship with her," Corruption Watch said in a statement.
"In deliberating, the board was guided by what it considered to be in the best interests of Corruption Watch and the information it had before it and that is currently in the public domain."
Vavi, who was a board member of Corruption Watch, is general secretary of the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu). He admitted to having an affair with a married junior employee.
Last week, the woman withdrew her sexual harassment grievance against him during a hearing.
Corruption Watch said it took into account the fact that any sexual relationship between a senior staff member and a junior member "is almost inevitably infected by the relationship of power that exists between them". It said senior staff members had a responsibility to avoid such relationships.
The organisation said it also took into account the "deplorable level" of gender violence and abuse in South Africa.
"Going forward, the board confirms that its members should at all times both in their public and private lives act consistently with the values of truth, integrity that are espoused by Corruption Watch and consistently with the Corruption Watch pledge."
Vavi was informed of the board's intention to relieve him of his duties, and he indicated his acceptance of the board's decision, the organisation said.
