The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has learnt with shock the untimely passing of the General Secretary of our sister union the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU), Cde Kwena Ramotlou.

Workers of this country especially municipal workers have certainly lost a tireless leader and a trade unionist of great integrity. Cde Ramotlou was at the forefront of leading the rebuilding of SAMWU including waging a relentless war against employers and National Treasury who are currently leading an onslaught against workers.

At the time of his death he was leading the implementation of the 12th National Congress resolutions which included uniting all municipal workers under the banner of SAMWU and undertaking a massive recruitment campaign.

He will forever be remember for his sharp analytical skills as a Marxist-Leninist. He struggled for the attainment of socialism and fought against the exploitation of workers by the capitalist class. In his honour, NEHAWU recommits itself to aggressively pursue the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) which is a direct route to socialism.

The national union is deeply saddened by his death and conveys its deep and heartfelt condolences to his family, municipal workers, comrades and friends.

May his soul forever rest in perfect peace.

Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Khaya Xaba (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 082 455 2500 or email: khaya@nehawu.org.za