Unions trying to liquidate Cosatu says Dlamini

Those forming unions in opposition to the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) are trying to "liquidate" the trade union federation, its president Sidumo Dlamini said.

"The intention is to feed into the agenda... to liquidate Cosatu," he told a National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) central executive committee meeting in Boksburg on the East Rand.

"Other people have tried before... [However] when you begin to attack Cosatu we will respond in kind. We are ready."

Dlamini was referring to the newly-formed SA Public Service Union, formed by former SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) members.

Expelled Sadtu president Thobile Ntola was leading the union.

Dlamini questioned why workers would trust a leader who had been expelled from another union.

"There are too many people these days who call themselves leaders, especially in unions," he said.

"[How does a] leader who got expelled from his union after members entrusted him... but decides to steal from the same members to beef up his lifestyle.

"Why would workers place their trust in a leader which is corrupt?"