Cosatu's affiliates have rebelled against the labour federation's divided leadership and called for President Thabo Mbeki to reinstate Jacob Zuma as deputy president of the country.

This comes a day after Mbeki asked for Cosatu's support in the local government poll. It is not clear whether workers would boycott the poll if their demands are not met.

The call comes hardly two months after Cosatu's leadership, led by general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and its president Willie Madisha, met and declared unequivocal support for Zuma's successor, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Mbeki fired Zuma after Durban High Court Judge Hilary Squires said there was a "generally corrupt relationship" between Zuma and his financial adviser Schabir Shaik, who was convicted of corruption charges.

Zuma told delegates at Cosatu's central committee conference yesterday: "One day, when the day comes, I will say how I felt throughout this process. As a worker, as a cadre, as a freedom fighter, I must have some feelings of what is happening. I must be having a very deep analysis of everything. But as a cadre who is disciplined, I behave in a disciplined manner, and I will continue to do so."

Cosatu's central committee, comprising about 500 delegates, made a radical call for Zuma's reinstatement on Monday night. It follows a rebellion from the floor at the ANC's national general council last month that saw Zuma resuming his duties as deputy president of the party.

The central committee further called "for the withdrawal of all the charges against comrade Zuma".

Vavi was at pains yesterday to explain that the central committee, the highest decision-making body of Cosatu between conferences, rejected the leadership's position.

Government spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe said he would not be able to respond until a formal submission was received from Cosatu.

Meanwhile, workers have given massive support to the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust Fund, set up to pay for his legal fees.

With acknowledgements to Moshoeshoe Monare and The Star.