I wish to express my disgust and embarrassment at Cosatu secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi's statement regarding womanisers and the ANC's 50-50 policy. How low can you go, Vavi? How desperate can you be? Are you saying our mothers and sisters are prostitutes? That they slept their way up into the ANC, the government and BEE?

I wish to express my disgust and embarrassment at Cosatu secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi's statement regarding womanisers and the ANC's 50-50 policy. How low can you go, Vavi? How desperate can you be? Are you saying our mothers and sisters are prostitutes? That they slept their way up into the ANC, the government and BEE?

What does your statement say about the Employment Equity Act of which Cosatu is a custodian? What does it say about women's independence and freedom and equality?

I understand your support for your candidate, but that does not give you the right to insult our mothers and sisters. I think you should retract your irresponsible statement.

I am even more ashamed that the said president-in-waiting didn't call you to order. I wonder if Jacob Zuma agrees with such derogatory statements about women?

Is Vavi saying that Deputy President Phumzile-Mlambo Ngcuka, Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, businesswomen Wendy Luhabe and Yolanda Cuba, among others, all slept their way to the top?

Chief, you have been irresponsible, but then the Limpopo fever could be clouding your judgment. Please retract these hurtful statements.

Andile D, Johannesburg