South African leader suspended for illicit love affair

"Vavi has been released from all his official duties as the general secretary (of COSATU) during the period of investigation until such time that the outcome of the disciplinary hearing is known," reported Xinhua quoting party's deputy general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali as saying.

As the largest of the country's three main trade union federations with 1.8 million workers, the COSATU is part of the tripartite alliance with the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party in ruling the country.

Last month a junior COSATU employee accused Vavi of rape, but he said that he had a consensual affair with her.

The central executive committee (CEC) of the COSATU Wednesday met in Johannesburg to discuss the possible disciplinary action against him.

"After lengthy discussion, the CEC meeting agreed to conduct a full investigation into the allegations," COSATU president Sidumo Dlamini said Thursday. u00a0