The dismissal of former Congress of South African Trade Union (Cosatu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi was confirmed by a vote at the federation congress in Midrand on Thursday.

The overwhelming majority of delegates voted in favour of kicking Vavi out – 1 183 voted to confirm his dismissal, 87 were against and 27 abstained.

“Hamba ka hle Vavi weNumsa [go well Vavi of Numsa],” delegates sang as election officers counter the votes. Voting was conducted by show of hands.

The Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) supported by the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) called on the congress not to rush in confirming Vavi dismissal without debating the underlying caused to his dismissal.

Vavi was kicked out of the Cosatu in March, for bringing the trade unions federation into disrepute and dividing it.

Some delegates chanted “#Vavi must fall” during the counting of the vote.