He should be commended for his frank assessment of Cosatu leadership.

At present, we have a leadership that displays all the hallmarks of labour aristocracy, and that can no longer command the trust of the rank and file who bare the brunt of capitalist exploitation. Cyril Ramaphosa is a classic example of labour aristocracy.

The interests of ordinary workers are diametrically opposed to those of the labour aristocracy. The incestuous relationship between the labour aristocracy and monopoly capital is the cause of the distance between workers and their leaders.

Is the Cosatu congress ready to sever its umbilical cord to the labour aristocracy and draw inspiration from the martyrs of Marikana? Is Vavi ready to lead the new breed of revolutionaries who will steer South Africa to economic freedom? - Ceduma Nocubhe, by e-mail

FOR once I definitely agree with Zwelinzima Vavi.

His comments recognise the cause of our problems. It is the lust for never-ending luxuries and power that have got us where we are today in South Africa.

Union, government and business leaders must start to work towards a more equal society and be content with less for themselves.

Our widespread problems are also caused by our government's obsession with gender and race representation, and not with filling posts with able and suitable people.