SADTU mourns the passing of Comrade Piliswa Maqokolo
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) is deeply shocked, saddened, and heartbroken by the untimely passing of Eastern Cape Gender Convener, Piliswa Maqokolo.
Comrade Piliswa passed away in Brazil while attending the 5th Education International Women’s Conference as part of the SADTU delegation. Her passing, far away from home but among comrades with whom she shared a deep commitment to the struggle for quality education for all, gender equality and social justice, has left us devastated.
We commend the leadership of SADTU and Education International for acting swiftly and compassionately to ensure that Comrade Piliswa received assistance and care during this difficult period.
SADTU expresses its profound and deepest condolences to the Maqokolo family, her school, friends, and comrades as well as the entire SADTU Eastern Cape membership. We know that no words can adequately express the depth of our pain caused by this devastating loss.
Comrade Piliswa gave herself wholeheartedly to the work of the Union. She died while carrying out the work she believed in and serving the cause to which she had dedicated her life.
We hope that the memories of Comrade Piliswa’ s life, her courage and unwavering commitment will provide some measure of comfort. We are deeply touched and strengthened by the outpouring of messages of condolences and solidarity from Education Unions across the world.
May the revolutionary spirit of Comrade Piliswa Maqokolo live on. Hamba kahle, Lala ngoxolo qabane!
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat