The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has seen the letter by the National Organiser of its Affiliate, the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers’ Union (CEPPWAWU), Phutas Tseki, and understands that his accusations against the Federation are prompted by self-interest.
Tseki, a former member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and National Assembly, was appointed National Organiser of the union by the now removed administrator, Sipho Sono. Consequently, his accusation that COSATU colluded with external forces to have Sono removed, is nothing but a desperate attempt to sing for his supper. As for his insinuation that COSATU wanted Sono removed so the Federation could have access to the union’s investment company, CEPPWAWU Investments, nothing could be further from the truth.
In the letter, Tseki outlines in detail the problems that ultimately led the Registrar of Labour Relations to place CEPPWAWU under administration, from not holding National Congresses as stipulated by the constitution to failure by the National Executive Committee to operate properly.
Tseki also admits that CEPPWAWU failed to submit financial statements to the Registrar as required by the Labour Relations Act. However, his attempt to excuse this by pointing out that other unions have been guilty of the same, is laughable. By his own admission the breakdown of operations at CEPPWAWU started as far back as 2008. The Registrar only communicated the decision to place CEPPWAWU under administration in 2018. That means the union had not been operating properly for an entire decade. Surely, the Registrar would have been neglecting his duty had he not acted.
Tseki’s assertion that he attempted to brief COSATU without success, and that President Zingiswa Losi ignored his calls and requests for a meeting is ludicrous; as he has been to several COSATU Central Executive Committee meetings, where he not only had unhindered access to the National Office Bearers, but also addressed the gathering. Not once did he raise a grievance about the leadership refusing to grant him an audience. Instead, he waxed lyrical about wanting to see the CEPPWAWU back on its feet again.
In the letter, Tseki submits that CEPPWAWU is not a COSATU Affiliate in good standing as it has not paid affiliation fees due to its financial constraints. Are we to understand that he expected the Federation to abandon its Affiliate of more than two decades, simply because it is going through a difficult time financially? COSATU is not a fair-weather Federation. Besides, it was CEPPWAWU members who approached COSATU, requesting its assistance.
Turning the focus to Sono, COSATU stands by its statement issued on 28 January this year, in which we celebrated his removal as CEPPWAWU administrator by an order of the Labour Court. The reason why the Federation is dancing on Sono’s metaphoric grave, is because he was given a simple mandate on appointment as administrator. That is to appoint an experienced and reputable facilitator to ensure the union’s Congresses were convened as per the organisation’s constitution for the purposes of electing a new national leadership for CEPPWAWU.
The Congresses were to be convened and concluded by 30 September 2023, after which the control, management and affairs of the union would be handed over to the new leadership on expiry of Sono’s term on 12 December 2023. However, Sono never delivered on his mandate until he was removed last Wednesday, 28 January.
Adding salt to injury, the business rescue specialist never even bothered to submit financial statements to the Registrar. In fact, this was one of the major reasons the Registrar approached the court to have him removed. That task will now fall on the shoulders of the next administrator, Gerhard Vosloo, who has been mandated to finalise CEPPWAWU’s outstanding audited financial statements for the years ending 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Vosloo must also convene a National Congress to elect the national leadership of CEPPWAWU; after which he must handover control of the union to the national leadership. COSATU is confident that Vosloo will deliver on his mandate but will keep a close eye on him regardless.
We suspect the reason Tseki is doing Sono’s bidding despite his utter failure to deliver on his mandate, is because Sono is aware that in his profession, you are only as good as your last assignment. The truth is Sono is not good, period.
He failed to take CEPPWAWU to Congress in the time specified. Instead, he involved himself in issues that had little to do with his main task. He initiated disciplinary proceedings against CEPPWAWU members in good standing, and last month he attempted to raise subscription fees that members pay to the union. All the while paying himself exorbitant fees while neglecting to pay the union’s dues to the Federation.
CEPPWAWU was not the only organisation to suffer under Sono’s stewardship. Sadly, low-cost carrier Mango Airlines did not live to tell the tale. Appointed the airline’s business rescue practitioner in 2021, Sono dilly-dallied for four years and ultimately initiated liquidation processes last year after it became apparent, he could not save the business. Meantime Sono paid himself R11 million for the failed rescue, while 501 Mango Airline workers lost their jobs forever.
COSATU is not apologetic; we are elated CEPPWAWU is rid of Sono. It is sad to see a highly qualified professional go rogue in this manner. However, the Federation warns that he should not be afforded the opportunity to do this to other organisations.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za
