‘Bra Khabs was gentle giant with huge courage, integrity’

FORMER Gauteng community safety and transport MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu was yesterday described as a gentle giant who worked with huge courage, commitment, and integrity.

Former Gauteng education MEC Mary Metcalfe, who worked with Mosunkutu at the Gauteng provincial legislature and in ANC after 1994, said it was amazing that the veteran trade unionist and his generation sacrificed so much in order to do what was right when there was no promise and incentive of a government position.

She described Mosunkutu, known as Bra Khabs, as having worked with huge courage, commitment and integrity.

“I always benefited from his wisdom,” said Metcalfe, adding that the victory Mosunkutu and his generation achieved in 1994 must not be squandered.

She was speaking at a memorial service for Mosunkutu yesterday at the Zoe Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto.

ANC Women’s League Gauteng provincial chairperson and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC Faith Mazibuko said Mosunkutu was a gentle giant, a gentleman and never discriminated against anyone.

She said Mosunkutu recognised the role of women in the liberation movement and played a key role in the fight for six months maternity leave.

He also fought for equal pay for women and ensured there was equal representation in ANC leadership structures, Mazibuko said.

Mosunkutu died on Christmas Eve at age 68 after complications relating to a stroke he suffered in July.

His family said he showered them with love and loved South Africa before he loved the ANC. They called on politicians to continue with the ethical leadership Mosunkutu was known for and to respect the positions they were elected into. His funeral service will be held on Thursday.