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SOUTH AFRICA’S Cosatu trade union federation will hold a special executive committee meeting tomorrow that could see the expulsion of metalworkers’ union Numsa, its largest affiliate.
Numsa failed in its High Court attempt yesterday, backed by eight other unions, to apply for an urgent interdict to prevent the expulsion.
Judge Brian Mashile ordered that the matter be enrolled and postponed indefinitely, which means that matters will take their course today.
Numsa lawyer Owen Cook argued that Cosatu had not given the union proper details of charges against the union, but Pearce Roodt, for the federation, said that Numsa had been given full details in February.
The five charges levelled against Numsa include congress resolutions to recruit in areas organised by other affiliates, not to pay Cosatu subscription fees, not to pay political levies to the ANC and Communist Party and to withdraw from the tripartite alliance between Cosatu and the two parties.
It also allegedly planned a march on Cosatu House that did not take place.
Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim told supporters outside the court that Cosatu would oppose its expulsion or suspension with a comprehensive presentation.
Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini lashed out yesterday at what he called a “parallel structure” within the federation.
He accused dissident affiliates of muddying the waters by raising the issue of general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi’s future employment.
“They are using Vavi’s name to pump up emotions because no decision has been taken to expel the general secretary,” said Mr Dlamini.
