The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is deeply saddened by the passing of comrade Katishi Masemola, the former General Secretary of the Food and Allied Workers’ Union (FAWU), a founding affiliate of the Federation.  We offer his family, friends and comrades our best wishes and all the strength during this painful period.

Comrade Katishi was an activist at heart and dedicated his life to serving the nation, and in particular the working class.  He came of age as a student activist during the dark days of apartheid.  His passion for knowledge did not end with his days at university but stood as a feature of his life’s journey, leading him to rise through the ranks of FAWU and eventually serving as its General Secretary.

Whilst his time in the labour movement had come to an end, his passion for serving workers, being an activist and in search of knowledge did not.  In recent years he spent time writing about his experiences as a student leader and the role that his mother, in particular, had played in moulding him into the committed activist for change, he became.

Katashi never lost his humility or sense of humour.  He was always keen to engage on Vladimir Lenin’s question “What is to be done?”.  He was not afraid to admit where he had erred or to reach out to those with whom he disagreed.  He was proud of his roots and remained at heart a product of the township.

He was a proud son, a family man, an activist, a trade unionist.  South Africa has lost a good comrade.  Hamba kahle uMkhonto.

Issued by COSATU

Matthew Parks (COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator)

Cell: 082 785 0687

Email: matthew@cosatu.org.za