The Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) is gutted by the passing of former anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist, Beauty Zibula. A staunch believer in the liberation of the oppressed, Zibula carried her convictions from modest roots of KwaZulu Natal to the National Assembly of South Africa, until her death at 65 years of age.
During the apartheid era, her awareness of the political climate was awakened while at what was then Standard 4, primary school level, indicative of her tender age. The zeal to mobilise fellow peers grew then, sensitising political consciousness in the community, and later at factories, for the recognition and advancement of the rights of workers.
Forced by financial circumstances, the teenaged Zibula understood the complexities of work when she enrolled at night school to work at a garment factory. The experience would propel her involvement in the labour movement, leading her to become a shop steward in 1987 and two years later, the Chairperson of the Durban North Local of the Garment and Allied Workers’ Union (GAWU), which would merge with the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union of South Africa, to form the now formidable Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU).
The constellation of the assumption of the various leadership roles at SACTWU to the 1st Deputy Presidency are proof of the indelible mark stitched into the union and the entire Federation.
COSATU will be forever grateful for her relentless commitment to the struggle for worker emancipation, even in Parliament, staying true to her roots. She immersed herself in the struggle. A sample machinist, a trade unionist and a true patriot, whose service will forever be sewn into our history.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, comrades, colleagues, friends and all who were touched by her humble leadership.
Issued by COSATU
Nonzuzo Dlamini (Communication Officer)
Mobile: 066 194 3619
Email: nonzuzo@cosatu.org.za