The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) is pursuing a R2 million defamation lawsuit against Bheki Mtolo, the African National Congress (ANC) KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary. This legal action stems from remarks Mtolo allegedly made during a meeting with ANC and Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) leaders.
Nehawu, a prominent union within Cosatu, asserts that Mtolo made defamatory statements that damaged the union’s reputation. The dispute is rooted in the ongoing tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU), which has seen friction between various factions of the ANC and its allied organizations.
According to Nehawu, Mtolo’s comments were not only false but also intended to undermine the union’s standing in the political landscape. The union believes that the statements were part of a broader effort to discredit its leadership and diminish its influence in ongoing negotiations within the GNU framework.
The case highlights the increasing political infighting within the ANC and its affiliated bodies as they navigate the challenges posed by the GNU, which was established following the ANC’s loss of its parliamentary majority in the most recent elections.
Mtolo has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit, but sources within the ANC indicate that he intends to contest the claims vigorously. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the relationships between the ANC, Cosatu, and Nehawu, particularly as they work together within the GNU.
Nehawu’s legal team is expected to argue that Mtolo’s statements caused substantial harm to the union’s reputation and could impact its ability to effectively represent its members. The union is seeking both financial compensation and a public retraction of the statements made by Mtolo.
As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by political analysts and union members alike, given its potential to further strain the already fragile alliances within South Africa’s ruling political structures.
