The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] mourns the passing away of Cde Eric “Stalin” Mtshali. Cde Mtshali passed on this morning after a long illness.

He played central role in the advancement of the socialist struggle and building of the World Federation of Trade Unions [WFTU] in the African Continent. Just last year NEHAWU through WFTU bestowed a Recognition Award to Comrade Stalin for the sterling role he played in the broader struggles of the working class and the proletariat in particular throughout the world.

As NEHAWU, we will forever be grateful for the sterling role Comrade Mtshali played in building the class orientated World Federation of Trade Unions which today stands with 92 million members drawn from 26 countries in all 6 Continents. Cde Mtshali who grew up in the trade union environment, had a passion for trade unions and workers struggles and had the opportunity of working for the World Federation of Trade Unions’ [WFTU] in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

The national union dips its banners after the passing on of an unwavering communist, assuming trade unionist, champion of our liberation struggle, and a founder of the military wing of our glorious liberation movement the African National Congress [ANC]. He was a true embodiment of the tripartite alliance as he built and jealously defended COSATU, the SACP and the ANC.

Dubbed the “Man of Steel” Cde Mtshali was awarded The Order of Mendi for Bravery in Silver his excellent contribution to the fight against the oppressive and racist apartheid regime. Despite great risks, he was never deterred from fighting against injustice. He was the Editor of Dawn magazine from 1964 to 1969 as part of the liberation movement’s propaganda machinery to counter the apartheid regime.

The country has lost a disciplined veteran and a true revolutionary who sacrificed his youth and risked his life for the liberation of South Africa. In his honour NEHAWU recommits itself to aggressively pursue the National Democratic Revolution [NDR] which is a direct route to socialism. One of the lesson we draw from the life and times of Cde. Mtshali is that we should always put members first and ensure that they are always serviced by the union.

We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, the entire Mass Democratic Movement and WFTU members throughout the world. As NEHAWU, we say “lala ngoxolo mkhululi wethu, siyohlala sikukhumbula” - umthi omkhulu uwile”.

 

Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat