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Cape Town - Seven trade unions have come out in support of suspended Cosatu general secretary, Zwelinzima vavi.
They are: CWU (Communication Workers Union), Numsa (National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa), Fawu (Food and Allied Workers Union), Saccawu (South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union), Sasawu (South African State and Allied Workers Union), Denosa (Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa), Safpu (South African Football Players Union).
Vavi has condemned the decision of the federation’s NEC to dismiss him with immediate effect.
"I condemn the decisions of the NEC, which dismissed the general secretary who was democratically elected," he said at a press conference at a house in Morningside.
"Those pursuing the capture of Cosatu are being ruthless against anyone who stands in their way. They are seemingly oblivious to the working class.
READ: Vavi hits out at Cosatu, condemns dismissal as illegal
"The leadership think they can continue with business as usual, but this will be impossible," he said.
According to Vavi this reflects a broader crisis in South Africa.
"Unemployment is spreading. Crime and corruption is endangering state institutions - underlying unemployment, crime and corruption is endangering all formations in society including democratic institutions," he said.
On Tuesday the Congress of South African Trade Unions confirmed Vavi’s suspension and accused him of several violations.
Deputy General Secretary, Bheki Ntshalintshali, told a press conference that Vavi was a divisive figure in the federation and that he shifted Cosatu resources to aid Numsa.
