Vavi clarifies his role in Zuma's presidency, asserting Cosatu's collective responsibility
SAFTU’s General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says it is unfair to single him out or blame just a few individuals for the rise of former president Jacob Zuma, stressing that the decision to support Zuma was collective and mandated by Cosatu’s national congress.
Addressing critics on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Vavi rejected claims that he personally “brought Zuma.”
“I have taken responsibility before and have repeatedly apologised to the nation, explaining why I acted as I did. However, to single me out or to blame just two or three others is disingenuous,” he said.
He emphasised that the decision to back Zuma and join the Tripartite Alliance was not his alone, but a binding resolution for Cosatu’s 2.2 million members.
“I, or even Cosatu as a whole, did not ‘create’ Zuma; he was already an activist and a leader of the ANC long before I was born.”
Like Zuma, Vavi said he was born into the liberation struggle.
“No one recruited me into the ANC, the SACP, COSAS, SANCO, COSATU, or any other organisations within the Congress movement. I joined because it was the duty of my generation. I do not regret that choice, nor the personal price I paid for participating in these movements.”
“These organisations were, and still are, the legacy of our forefathers – without them, we would not have defeated apartheid,” said Vavi.
He also noted that when things began to go wrong, he was among the first within the movement to raise his voice.
Vavi firmly denied any involvement in corruption. “I did not steal from workers or the poor, nor did I ever ask anyone to steal on my behalf or in the name of the people.”
He acknowledged the widespread disappointment in the country’s current state, saying, “Today, I feel as disgusted as the millions who refrain from voting because they cannot relate to what our country has become.”
Admitting his imperfections, Vavi said, “I do not claim to be a saint. I am fallible like everyone else. Many have forgiven me for my political and personal mistakes, while others may never forgive me – even when some have committed equal or greater mistakes. That is life.”
“I have my views and will continue to express them. I don’t need validation from anyone who did not walk in my shoes.”
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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