The Azanian People's Organisation (Azapo) is saddened by Zwelinzima Vavi's possible intention to quit politics, an official said on Thursday.

"Vavi has for many years, positioned himself as one of the unwavering corruption fighters, even at a time when it was unfashionable to do so," said spokesman Funani ka Ntontela.

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi told eNCA on Thursday, that he may be forced to quit politics.

He told the news channel that his family had called a meeting to persuade him to leave the trade union federation and the African National Congress.

"Well, I hear that they are plotting now that they will convene a family imbizo in December, to plead with me to walk away because they think that it's not worth it," Vavi said.

"They fear that one day I will arrive back home on my back in a black coffin."

Vavi said the threats on his life, by means of a planned car-crash or poisoning, had pushed his family to the limit.

However, he was still not sure who wanted to kill him or why.

"People like Vavi are more needed at this time, more so than [any] other corruption fighter. The Public Protector seems to have been compressed to a state of caution by those close to the feeding trough," said Ka Ntontela.

"We are convinced that if Vavi quits politics, all the vultures and hyenas will ululate that, at last, a predatory state is finally a reality for those who can scavenge remorselessly," he said.