BANTU HOLOMISA'S ATTACK

9 June 1998

COSATU has noted with absolute scorn the outrageous attack by expelled
ANC member Bantu Holomisa on our organisation. COSATU has been
receiving reports that Holomisa, in almost all his rallies, has
consistently been spreading lies to the electorate that COSATU is
looting members' provident fund to enrich its leaders, and their wives
and families. This he repeated yesterday when addressing the media
conference

We are currently discussing this matter with our lawyers and are
considering suing Holomisa for defamation. We want a public apology
for spreading these calculated lies. We do not want to leave this
issue to the realms of idle gossip spread by those who are no longer
part of mainstream politics.

To suggest that our leaders have "suddenly become millionaires" is not
only laughable, but undermines the two million workers who have
entrusted those comrades to lead them in the working class struggle.

COSATU has a proud history of democratic practices and especially of
worker control. This culture has ensured that workers themselves
determine if and where the federation should invest its funds.

Bantu Holomisa should visit the COSATU homepage on the internet, or
ask Roelf Meyer to do so for him. There he will see that the question
of union investments is one of the issues that will be debated in the
Central Committee next week. A decision on this matter will be arrived
at democratically and will bind all COSATU affiliates and members.

Just like his former pay masters, Holomisa has realised that COSATU is
a pillar of strength to the Alliance. In his narrow ambition to return
to the political center stage, he has now targeted COSATU for
vilification with the hope that through his gossip stories he can
cause major divisions and undermine the cohesion of COSATU.

COSATU would hope that all serious political parties dedicate
themselves to building a better future for our people. Holomisa's
mischievous lies about the labour movement really do prove that his
interests do not lie with the working class people.  

By: COSATU Deputy Secretary - Zwelinzima Vavi


Nowetu Mpati
COSATU Head of Communications

Tel:    + 27 + 11 + 339-4911
Fax:    + 27 + 11 + 339-2281
E-mail: nowetu@cosatu.org.za