NUM basic secretary David Sipunzi dies

Nationwide Union of Mine Employees (NUM) basic secretary David Sipunzi has died on Christmas Day.

In a press release, NUM stated that Sipunzi had died at round 11:00 on Friday and that the reason for his dying was unknown at this stage. NUM deputy basic secretary William Mabapa stated Sipunzi’s household confirmed his dying to the organisation.

They stated Sipunzi can be remembered for his dedication to struggle for employees’ rights.

“He was a commerce unionist who didn’t stop to struggle for the rights of the NUM members. His international contribution as one of many Vice Presidents of the World Federation of Commerce Unions (WFTU) and his efforts in labour rights is not going to simply be forgotten.

“Comrade Sipunzi devoted his whole life to the service of the mine, building and power employees in South Africa till his premature dying. He was a agency believer within the rights of the downtrodden and the voice of the unvoiced,” stated NUM.

Sipunzi began within the mining business in 1985, the identical 12 months he joined NUM. He rapidly rose up the ranks and was elected NUM Free State regional secretary in 1999 after which NUM basic secretary in 2015.

South African Democratic Academics Union (Sadtu) expressed unhappiness over Sipunzi’s passing.

“Cde Sipunzi demonstrated through the years his unequivocal dedication to serve not simply the employees within the mining sector, however organised and non-organised labour in its entirety given the peculiar socio-economic circumstances we’re confronted with as a rustic,” the union stated in a press release on Friday.

It stated it had the privilege to interacting with Sipunzi all through his years of commerce union activism.

“We imagine he has left priceless classes for us about dedication to a [cause] and most significantly, the importance of unity of all associates of the federation,” Sadtu added.