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COSATU mourns the passing of a dedicated trade unionist Hlokoza Motau

09 February 2024

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) mourns the passing of comrade Hlokoza Motau, a dedicated trade unionist and veteran of the Federation and the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA).

Hlokoza sadly passed away on the 6th February at the age of 65.  He lived a full life in service of the working class and spent his entire career seeking to champion the rights and needs not only of his colleagues at the workplace but in fact across the nation.

This passion for working class struggles took Hlokoza from Brits in today’s North West Province where he started his life as a worker and was first elected as a shop steward to working as an educator and organiser for NUMSA as far afield as Pretoria.

Whilst Hlokoza’s roots where in the motor manufacturing industry and his hometown, Brits, he passionately believed in international solidarity.  His leadership potential was recognised with his appointment to lead NUMSA collective bargaining engagements and later its International Relations Department where he helped build campaigns in support of workers in Zimbabwe and eSwatini.

The final chapter of his career, saw him work at the Solidarity Centre, the international arm of the American Federation of Labour – Congress of Industrial Organisations (AFL-CIO), playing an important role in the support it provides the South African labour movement. 

Till the very end, Hlokoza remained a passionate champion of working class struggles and an ambassador for his homes in NUMSA, COSATU and the Solidarity Centre.  His contributions will forever be cherished by his family, friends, comrades and colleagues.

Hlokoza will be laid to rest from 06h00 Saturday 10 February at Lethlabile Community Hall in Brits.  COSATU’s delegation will be led by its General Secretary Solly Phetoe.  The Federation offers its sincere sympathies to the Motau family, friends and colleagues during this difficult period.

Hamba kahle qabane.

Issued by COSATU

For further information please contact:
Matthew Parks
Acting National Spokesperson & Parliamentary Coordinator
Cell: 082 785 0687