Scores of mourners gathered at the East London City Hall to pay their last respects to late ANC MP, unionist and former teacher Fezeka Loliwe yesterday.
Loliwe, who died last Monday in a tragic accident on her way to King William’s Town from Fort Beaufort, was described by most of those who got up to speak as a hard worker.
Among the mourners in attendance was Minister of Public Works Thulas Nxesi.
Nxesi served with Loliwe in the central command team of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and in the national executive of the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (Sadtu).
He described her as a disciplined servant, a passionate unionist and a great teacher.
“When we heard of the news of the passing of comrade Loliwe, we were devastated as the SACP, as the entire movement, and particularly as former leaders of Sadtu who have served with Loliwe.
“Loliwe has been influential in the building of the teachers’ union at grassroots level and in the merging of smaller unions into the creation of the giant union we see today,” said Nxesi.
He used the opportunity to call for unity within the troubled teacher union, which has been divided by factionalism and corruption.
He said the union needed to revitalise itself and move away from divisions which did not serve the interests of workers and the development of the teaching profession.
“If for nothing else, Sadtu must take the time to reflect for the sake of its past leaders who have truly laboured to build a union that is in one of the most vital of sectors – teaching,” added Nxesi.
Other dignitaries at the memorial included Premier Phumulo Masualle, ANC chairman Oscar Mabuyane, NEC members Pemmy Majodina and Zingiswa Losi, PEC members Fundile Gade and Zukiswa Ncita, as well as BCM executive mayor Xola Pakati.
Sadtu general secretary Mugwena Malamlela said the province had lost a dedicated and experienced union member.
Mabuyane said Loliwe’s death came at a time when the PEC faced enormous pressure and challenges, including defiance by some party members. He said he took comfort in knowing these challenges were not new to the organisation.
“In Loliwe’s honour, we will triumph and restore order and glory to Calata House,” said Mabuyane.
Dignitaries pay tribute to Loliwe
Loliwe, who died last Monday in a tragic accident on her way to King William’s Town from Fort Beaufort, was described by most of those who got up to speak as a hard worker.
Among the mourners in attendance was Minister of Public Works Thulas Nxesi.
Nxesi served with Loliwe in the central command team of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and in the national executive of the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (Sadtu).
He described her as a disciplined servant, a passionate unionist and a great teacher.
“When we heard of the news of the passing of comrade Loliwe, we were devastated as the SACP, as the entire movement, and particularly as former leaders of Sadtu who have served with Loliwe.
“Loliwe has been influential in the building of the teachers’ union at grassroots level and in the merging of smaller unions into the creation of the giant union we see today,” said Nxesi.
He used the opportunity to call for unity within the troubled teacher union, which has been divided by factionalism and corruption.
He said the union needed to revitalise itself and move away from divisions which did not serve the interests of workers and the development of the teaching profession.
“If for nothing else, Sadtu must take the time to reflect for the sake of its past leaders who have truly laboured to build a union that is in one of the most vital of sectors – teaching,” added Nxesi.
Other dignitaries at the memorial included Premier Phumulo Masualle, ANC chairman Oscar Mabuyane, NEC members Pemmy Majodina and Zingiswa Losi, PEC members Fundile Gade and Zukiswa Ncita, as well as BCM executive mayor Xola Pakati.
Sadtu general secretary Mugwena Malamlela said the province had lost a dedicated and experienced union member.
Mabuyane said Loliwe’s death came at a time when the PEC faced enormous pressure and challenges, including defiance by some party members. He said he took comfort in knowing these challenges were not new to the organisation.
“In Loliwe’s honour, we will triumph and restore order and glory to Calata House,” said Mabuyane.
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