The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU)sends its deepest condolences to the family of one of its founding Vice Presidents, Comrade Mpendulo “Squires” Jele who passed away at his home in Mamelodi, Tshwane last week.

A committed cadre of our movement and a revolutionary professional, Comrade Jele actively participated in the struggle against apartheid as a civic, union and an underground activist.

A teacher by training, Comrade Jele was the leader of the Mamelodi Teachers Union – one of progressive teachers’ unions that emerged during the educational and political upheavals between 1985 and 1990. These organisations and recognised teachers’ associations from South Africa met in Harare in 1988, at the height of apartheid, to deliberate on how teachers could unite and form single non-racial and democratic teachers’ organisation in South Africa. These talks led to the historic signing of the Harare Accord on Teacher Unity which ushered a process that led to the establishment and launch of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union on 6 October 1990. Comrade Jele was elected Vice President.

A servant of the people, Comrade Jele also served South Africa in the new democratic dispensation as a diplomat representing the country in the United States, Russia, and Pakistan.

Comrade Jele will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 24 August 2022 at Mamelodi Cemetery B3 after a funeral service at the Anglican Church in Mamelodi D5, corner of Kubone Drive and Khumalo Street.

Lala Kahle Comrade Jele!

Long live the spirt of Comrade Jele, long live!

ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat

CONTACT: General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke: 082 783 2968

                    Deputy General Secretary, Nkosana Dolopi: 082 709 5651

                    Media Officer, Nomusa Cembi: 082 719 5157.