Tributes pour in for ‘revolutionary soul’ Clay
TRIBUTES are pouring in following the sudden death of National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) Eastern Cape chairman Makhi Clay.
Clay, 55, of Alice died last Wednesday while attending Nehawu’s 11th national elective congress in Gauteng.
Nehawu provincial secretary Micky Jaceni said Clay collapsed on the last day of the congress held between June 26 and 29 at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.
Jaceni said Clay was rushed to hospital in Gauteng where he died.
“Nehawu is deeply shocked and saddened,” Jaceni said.
“It is very unfortunate that this dedicated revolutionary who spent most of his time fighting for the rights of the workers and the poor, could not experience the outcomes of his sterling work and contribution in the commissions to build Nehawu as a progressive and militant union to further fight for workers’ rights and interests.
“We’ll miss him for his uniting leadership qualities that has kept Nehawu in the province intact against all odds.
“We hope and wish that his passing will mark the beginning of a more united and militant union to take forward the four-year programme arising from the congress as pronounced by the new leadership emerging from the congress.
“Our condolences go to his family and friends in this time of mourning. May his soul rest in peace. We already miss you, Thangane.”
Nehawu general secretary Zola Saphetha described Clay as a “disciplined, dynamic and visionary leader”.
In his honour, a moment of silence was observed when the SACP held its extended provincial executive committee meeting at the War Memorial Hall in King William’s Town last Friday.
SACP spokesman Siyabonga Mdodi said: “As the SACP, we have received the news of the passing of Comrade Makhi Clay with a great sense of sadness, for we have lost a genuine revolutionary.
“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Comrade Clay, Nehawu, Cosatu and the entire congress movement. May his revolutionary soul rest in eternal peace.”
More tributes poured in yesterday, including one from Cosatu provincial secretary Xolani Malamlela.
He said they received the news of Clay’s passing with shock.
“Comrade Clay was a dedicated and true revolutionary of our trade union movement and he served workers with distinction throughout his entire life,” he said.
Saphetha said the union would “do everything at its disposal to support the family for a dignified funeral”.
Clay’s memorial service will be held at the Baptist Church in Quigney on Thursday while his funeral will be held at the East London City Hall on Saturday, Jaceni announced yesterday.
He is survived by children. — his wife and