NEHAWU Message of Condolences On The Passing of SACCAWU General Secretary, Comrade Mduduzi Mbongwe
Wednesday October 14, 2026
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] conveys its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, comrades, friends and members of the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union [SACCAWU] following the untimely passing of its General Secretary, Comrade Mduduzi Mbongwe.
The passing of Cde Mdu is a profound loss to the trade union movement and the broader working class. His unwavering commitment to workers’ struggles, his dedication to defending workers’ rights and his tireless efforts to advance the interests of the working class will forever be remembered.
He will forever be remembered for his selflessness and constant desire to champion workers struggles. His efforts to liberate workers from exploitative bosses should inspire the unity of all workers to continue to the struggle against slave wages.
The struggle for decent salaries and safe working conditions has lost a fearless soldier. In this regard, we call on all workers to unite and wage a relentless war against exploitation and unsafe working conditions. Workers across all sectors are currently under threat from greedy employers who are only preoccupied by the accumulation of profits. Collective bargaining is currently under threat and necessitate a concerted effort by workers to defend their hard-won gains.
During this difficult time, NEHAWU stands in solidarity with SACCAWU and the entire labour movement as we mourn the loss of a dedicated trade unionist and a fearless champion of workers’ rights. His legacy must inspire us to strengthen working-class unity and intensify our collective struggle for decent wages, safe working conditions, job security and the protection of collective bargaining.
We wish his family, comrades and all those who worked alongside him strength, courage and comfort during this painful period of mourning.
May his revolutionary spirit continue to inspire the struggles of workers and the working class.
Hamba Kahle, Cde Mdu. Your contribution to the workers’ struggle will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace Cde Mdu
END
NEHAWU Secretariat
For more information, please contact:
Zola Saphetha (General Secretary)
Welcome Mnisi (1st Dpty General Secretary)
Baxolise Mali (2nd Dpty General Secretary)
Lwazi Nkolonzi (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) or email: lwazin@nehawu.org.za Visit https://www.nehawu.org.za
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