With heavy hearts, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu-Natal formally announces to all members that Comrade Fana Mthembu is no longer with us. Comrade Fana passed away in hospital on Sunday, 2 November 2025. His passing came as a shock to all of us, as it was hoped that he would recover.
At the time of his demise, Comrade Fana was the principal of Esibanini Primary School in Umzinyathi District. He also taught and got promoted to a Departmental Head post in 1998 at Sizanani High School and Zicole High School where he worked as a Deputy Principal. He began his teaching career in 1993. Walking on two legs, comrade Fana remained a committed teacher and school manager whilst serving his Union – SADTU. All these schools are in Nquthu where Comrade Fana spent almost all his teaching years, and it was this area that shaped his activism.
Comrade.
Comrade Fana led the Nqutu Branch, now Lucas Mbatha branch with distinction. Reflecting on his contribution to the growth of the Union during the most difficult times in the history of our Union, justifies the emotions that engulfs us as we try to comprehend the news of his passing. He served as the Branch Chairperson from 2011 – 2018.
In the same year (2018) Comrade Fana was elected as the Regional Deputy Chairperson, a position he held until 2022 when he ascended to the position of Regional Chairperson of Phiwo kaMjula Gwamanda Region. Through this role, he became a member of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), making him part of the provincial leadership of SADTU in KwaZulu Natal.
His extensive experience enabled him to guide and develop other leaders and members he served. He was a very supportive and instrumental in the developing new leadership. Comrade Fana believed in unity of the organisation and its structures. He remained loyal and dedicated to SADTU, his union of choice which he served with distinction. Because of his strong belief in unity, he always worked tirelessly to facilitate unity among members and structures of the Union.
As members of SADTU in the province of KwaZulu Natal and in the Phiwo kaMjula Region in particular, we lower our banner in remembrance of our leader. We are mindful of the reality that ours now is to try to rise, reflect on the positive lessons we learned from Comrade Fana, emulate them and continue to build the strongest Union ever as we believe this is what he would have wanted us to do.
A true leader who always led from the front, Comrade Fana consistently availed himself for the programmes of the organisation. He understood the responsibility we have in changing the lives of our people. As an activist, Comrade Fana shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with to COSATU and the ANC. For many years, Comrade Fana also served as the Chairperson of COSATU Nquthu Local. He remained a loyal member of the movement till his last breath.
We send our sincerest condolences to the family, the school, learners, colleagues, and the community he so faithfully served.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at the Richview Civic Hall in Newcastle (on the road to Normadien).
May his revolutionary soul rest in eternal peace.
ISSUED BY KZN SADTU SECRETARIAT