SADTU KZN STATEMENT ON THE PASSING AWAY OF CDE SPHAMANDLA MPANZA
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in KwaZulu Natal mourns and is deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Cde Sphamandla Mpanza.
He was called to rest through a tragic accident that occurred around Empangeni on his way home on Friday.Comrade Sphamandla was the elected Deputy Secretary of Lucas Mbatha Branch and, at the time of his passing, was serving as the Acting Branch Secretary.
He believed in collective leadership principles and embraced democratic values as a member of this Union.He began his leadership journey at Nqulu Primary school as a site steward before being elected as the Branch Education Convenor in a bi-election in 2024, and later as the Branch Deputy Secretary in 2025. He was also a leader and Regional Executive Committee (REC) member of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Musa Dladla Region.
Comrade Sphamandla will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to education workers’ rights and for upholding the values of unity, activism, and service to members.
He will be laid to rest at his home in Dondotha near Empangeni, on Sunday, 5 July 2026.
ISSUED BY KZN SADTU SECRETARIAT