SADTU KWAZULU-NATAL STATEMENT ON THE TRAGIC DEMISE OF CDE COMRADE ANDILE SHEZI: 06/08/26
It is with profound grief and deep sadness that the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) announces the sudden and tragic passing of Comrade Andile Shezi, one of our most vibrant, committed, dedicated, and battle-tested servants of the working class.
Comrade Shezi met his untimely death in the early hours of Saturday, 1 August 2026, in a horrific motor vehicle accident near Mtubatuba. The news of his sudden passing has cast a dark and painful cloud over the entire SADTU family in KwaZulu-Natal. We remain devastated and struggle to come to terms with the loss of a leader whose life was filled with promise, selfless service, and unwavering revolutionary commitment.
At the time of his passing, Comrade Shezi was serving with distinction as the Branch Secretary of SADTU at Elangeni TVET College. Comrade Andile was not new in the struggle. At an early age as a learner, he consciously associated himself with the working class struggles and joined COSAS while in high school. While at University (Mangosuthu University of Technology) comrade ANDILE joined and became a leader of SASCO championing students’ rights and welfare. He also served as ANC Branch Secretary, ANCYL Branch Secretary.
As a worker at Elangeni TVET College Comrade Andile joined SADTU and frowned upon exploitation of workers at the College and through his fearlessness and radicalism in presenting issues affecting members, SADTU members trusted him and elected him to SADTU Site leadership as a Site Secretary. As a result of leadership he displayed, practiced and provided, the membership of SADTU at Elangeni TVET College elected him unanimously in their first Branch Triennial General Meeting (BTGM). Comrade Andile became the inaugural Branch Secretary of SADTU at the College. This is during the historic moment when SADTU was establishing the first branches in TVET Colleges, laying a strong organisational foundation that continues to benefit our members in the TVET sector.
His passing is a tremendous loss to the labour movement and the broader democratic movement. The Union has lost a fearless youth leader, a disciplined
cadre, and a principled trade unionist who was unwavering in defending the rights and dignity of workers. Throughout his leadership, Comrade Shezi dedicated himself to mentoring and educating others, imparting valuable political, Organisational, and social knowledge that strengthened the understanding of organised labour and deepened the commitment to serving workers in the workplace. Comrade Andile’s leadership benefited almost all TVET Colleges in the province as he grew to become a resource for leaders and members in other TVET Colleges. From time-to-time leadership from other colleges would consult him seeking guidance on how to navigate difficulties confronting workers.
It is with regret to recall that Comrade Andile and his collective faced a backlash from the employer that had difficulty of understanding that the time for intimidation, harassment, unfair labour practices was not going to continue without being challenged by the abled branch leadership of the College.
Comrade Andile and his collective’s leadership tenure became a nightmare unbelievably so considering the times that we are in as a country that has clear labour laws including the rights provided for by the Constitution of the country.
He passes on when the Union is faced with bigger struggles against union bashing by the management of the College. The Union finds comfort that wherever he is now, Comrade Andile understands that they were not alone in the fight, the whole of SADTU understands the situation facing the Union and members in the college, this is evidenced by the collective decision by all leaders of the nine TVET Colleges in KwaZulu Natal on the 26th of July 2026 as they resolved to pledge solidarity and have a march to present issues affecting the Union and members at Elangeni College. This is a decision that the PEC will soon be processing. This must be done in honor of his leadership.
As the union members mourn his passing, they will have to continue emulating his legacy of humility, courage, discipline, and selfless service and must continue from where he has left to inspire generations of trade unionists and activists.
In conclusion, SADTU extends her deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Mrs Zilungile Shezi, their children, the Shezi family, the leadership and members of Elangeni TVET College, his comrades in the ANC and ANCYL, and the entire SADTU membership. The Union mourns alongside them, share in their grief, and will pray that they be provided with all the strength needed to navigate this difficult time of their lives.
As the Union (SADTU) bids farewell to her gallant member, Comrade Andile, the union members will continue to salute his unwavering commitment to the struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.
The Union is planning a befitting memorial service which shall take place in weeks to come.
The Funeral Service will take place on the 9th of August 2026 at Ottawa Community Hall – Verulam (44 Maharaj Road) – 9am.
May his revolutionary spirit continue to guide the revolution and all those committed to the course to carry forward the work to which he dedicated his life.
Rest in Peace Comrade Andile!
ISSUED BY KZN SADTU SECRETARIAT