NUM general-secretary, David Sipunzi, passed away

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has expressed “deep sadness and shock” over the passing of its general-secretary David Sipunzi, who died on Friday morning.

In a statement, NUM Deputy General Secretary William Mabapa revealed that the cause of Sipunzi’s death is still unknown.

“The family of comrade David Kolekile Sipunzi confirmed that he passed on at 11 am this morning. More details will be communicated soon by the family,” said Mabapa.

Mabapa said Sipunzi would be remembered for his dedication to the rights of workers.

“He was a trade unionist who did not cease to fight for the rights of the NUM members. His global contribution as one of the Vice Presidents of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and his efforts in labour rights will not easily be forgotten.’’

“Comrade Sipunzi dedicated his entire life to the service of the mine, construction and energy workers in South Africa until his untimely death. He was a firm believer in the rights of the downtrodden and the voice of the voiceless,” he added.

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), also paid tribute to Sipunzi, describing his death as a “shock (of) the untimely passing.’’

‘’He will forever be remembered for his selflessness and constant desire to champion workers struggles. His efforts to liberate mineworkers from exploitative mine bosses should inspire the unity of all mine workers to continue to the struggle against slave wages.’’

The COSATU-affiliated Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers' Union (SACTWU) also expressed their condolences.

‘’We have worked well with him and the union which he represented so firmly, to defend and advance worker rights across industries, not only just in the mining sector. Our hearts go out to the hundreds of thousands of mineworkers in South Africa, and millions globally, through our  joint affiliation of IndustriAll Global Union. We convey our condolences to NUM, and to his family,’’ said André Kriel, SACTWU General Secretary.

 ‘’We shall always remember him as a principled stalwart of our movement, a firm subscriber of democratic centralism, and a humble servant of workers in particular and our people in general,’’ Kriel added

Picture: Supplied

Done By: Mitchum George