The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is heartbroken over the passing of a towering trade unionist, Comrade Jacques Cupido.  He was an astute leader within the Federation, having dedicated his entire life to the core objectives of the working-class struggle under the stewardship of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU).

Unconditional surrender to a people-centered movement is a selfless act that Comrade Jacques adopted very early in his life. In the early nineties, he had already exhibited resistance to the practices of exploitative employers by joining the trade union movement. His passion for people’s emancipation was second nature to him, a quality evident working as a Community Development Practitioner employed in the Department of Social Development. Unapologetic in championing the rights of workers, he would inevitably serve in different ranks, from humble shopsteward beginnings to various provincial leadership roles. At the time of his passing, he was the Northern Cape Provincial Chairperson of NEHAWU.

Under his belt is an extensive list of positions he held in COSATU and NEHAWU in his province, advocating for the equal distribution of wealth and the eradication of poverty through his tireless work in the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress. In 2015 he was elected as COSATU’s Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the Northern Cape where he served two terms. Display of confidence in his work was proven again seven years later when he was elected in the position of Provincial Chairperson of COSATU, where he also served two terms.

A leader of his statue was deserving of the Bheki Mkhize Award for Long Service Award conferred by his union recently. His meritorious work was layered with a combustion of excellence, serving with admirable tenacity across different structures.

Comrade Jacques Cupido will be solely missed by his comrades, family and friends.

Lala ngoxolo qhawe lama qhawe!

Issued by COSATU

Nonzuzo Dlamini (Communication Officer)

Mobile: 066 194 3619

Email: nonzuzo@cosatu.org.za