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Johannesburg - The Congress of SA Trade Unions does not consist of only one affiliate, president Sidumo Dlamini said on Tuesday.
"We do not want to spend time speculating whether Cosatu would split or not," he said in Benoni.
It was more important to continue to build the organisation.
"We are not working to divide or split. Why do you spend time on a fear? Why don't you spend time building Cosatu?" Dlamini said at Popcru's National Political School conference.
Cosatu has seen turbulent times, with general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi being put on special leave last week pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing relating to an affair he had with a junior Cosatu employee.
Last month, the employee accused Vavi of rape. He admitted to having a consensual affair with her. The woman subsequently withdrew a sexual harassment complaint against him.
Possible split?
Cosatu biggest affiliate, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA, has come out in support of Vavi, sparking speculation about a possible split in the trade union federation.
Dlamini said on Tuesday said two problems within Cosatu at the moment was people using the media and the courts to engage with the federation.
If one's loyalty was with the organisation, one would address the organisation.
"The federation is going through a difficult moment. It will pass. It will pass," said Dlamini.
He urged those in Cosatu to not call the media if they had a problem with a colleague in another union, and rather exchange points of view, listening to one another instead of shouting at one another.
"If you get burnt, try again," the Cosatu president said.
