The Congress of South African Trade Unions is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former NEHAWU Second Deputy President and COSATU CEC member Cde Thozama Mantashe. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and her friends.
Cde Thozama Mantashe was a consummate activist who served in all the structures of the Alliance and was later deployed to the national parliament where she continued to serve the people of South Africa.
In her years as a leader of NEHAWU, she was a remarkable trade unionist who campaigned tirelessly against all forms of exploitation and always preached unity amongst the workers.
She was also a great advocate and champion of women holding leadership positions in the trade union movement. She worked tirelessly to ensure that women did not just participate but also were recognised and given opportunities to lead in the trade union movement.
She was a disciplined cadre who always subjected herself to the discipline of the organisation. We will forever remember her as a champion of women empowerment, solid advocate for social justice and a formidable leader of our movement.
May her soul rest in peace!
Issued by COSATU
Sizwe Pamla (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 679