Dlamini: Don't be anti-Cosatu

Johannesburg - Members of Cosatu must stand up for the trade union federation despite all its difficulties, its president Sidumo Dlamini said on Thursday.

"Despite [all our problems members should] defend Cosatu," Dlamini told union members outside Gauteng's provincial legislature.

The Congress of SA Trade Unions was marching through the city against e-tolling and labour brokers.

Members of the trade federation chanted "Vavi, Vavi, wenzeni uVavi, we Sidumo kauphendule [What did Vavi do? Sidumo answer us]."

They were referring to suspended Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.

Another group sang "Dubula dubula, dubul' uSidumo (shoot Sidumo)".

Dlamini told members to be united when in public.

"When we speak, sing or walk publicly, the integrity of this organisation must be sustained.

"Let us ensure that Cosatu remains united. Sidumo Dlamini... will leave Cosatu one day, even yourselves, but Cosatu will remain."

Dlamini said he did not have a problem with the Vavi supporters in the crowd.

"Do not destroy the leader that you love by your conduct, [which] is anti-Cosatu.

"I don't have any issues with you, some of you are younger than my own children," he said.

He urged the government to listen when it was wrong.

"Listen to the voices of the workers of this country."

Gauteng provincial legislature deputy speaker Uhuru Moiloa received Cosatu's memorandum.

Moiloa said he would forward it to the African National Congress head office and to the office of the President.