Vavi,+Madisha+at+war,+Msomi,+City+Press

City Press, Johannesburg, 12/08/2006 21:12 - (SA)
=Vavi, Madisha at war=


 * S'THEMBISO MSOMI**

COSATU president Willie Madisha and general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi are at war with each other.

Tensions between the two most senior leaders of the giant federation are said to be so intense that they now barely speak to each other.

They suspect each other of plotting to oust one another.

At the centre of the battle are claims that Vavi has been abusing Cosatu resources for the benefit of a divorced woman with whom he is apparently romantically involved. He is alleged to have used a Cosatu credit card to hire expensive cars for the woman and to have taken her along on a number of trips abroad at Cosatu's expense and without the federation's consent.

The most recent trip, it is claimed, was to Germany during the Fifa World Cup finals. Madisha is said to be investigating the claims and, according to a Cosatu source, he recently informed the federation's national office bearers, who include Vavi, about the probe.

But Vavi yesterday denied any knowledge of such an investigation and said the allegations were "definitely linked" to the Cosatu national congress, scheduled for next month, and the future political direction of the federation.

Madisha declined to comment.

Both Vavi and Madisha have availed themselves for re-election at the congress.

The congress, to be held in Midrand, is the first of a number of similar gatherings by ANC-aligned organisations ahead of the ruling party's much-anticipated national conference in December next year - where the intense battle for the party's presidency will be decided. If Vavi falls as a result of the allegations, it would mean a major blow for the supporters of ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma. Vavi has been one of the most vocal Zuma supporters and his detractors largely blame him for turning the federation into a strong Zuma base.


 * From:** [|**http://www.news24.com/City_Press/News/0,,186-187_1981830,00.html**]

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