Vavi honours ‘man of action’ Mbhele
MEMBERS of the working class in the east of Joburg yesterday laid to rest trade unionist Paul Mbhele, described as a critic of labour matters and a man of action.
Mbhele’s funeral took place in Benoni. He died in a fatal car accident on April 10.
Mbhele, affectionately known as “Bazooka”, was an active member of the steering committee of the new labour federation, the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu).
This has been described as an alternative to Cosatu, and is expected to be launched in Gauteng this weekend.
According to Phakamile Hlubi, Numsa acting spokesperson, “Comrade ‘Bazooka’ was a staunch defender of workers’ rights.
“He was an active member of Sadtu (the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union) as its East Rand regional secretary until 2013, when he was expelled for refusing to compromise his principles.”
Among those paying their final respects to the “man of action” was Zwelinzima Vavi, convener of the steering committee for Saftu.
He addressed mourners on how Mbhele critiqued the current state of the country and how it had been led by “thieves”.
“This man was absolutely honest to the bone… He died for the truth. He suffered for the truth. He refused to bend in order to accommodate a situation because the liars have hijacked his union – Sadtu. Or because the liars have now hijacked his movement – Cosatu,” said Vavi.
Dressed in black, yellow and green, hundreds of mourners filled the Mother Theresa Catholic Church in Benoni to commemorate Mbhele’s life.
Among those in attendance were Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi and Karl Cloete, deputy secretary-general of The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa.
Mbhele’s daughter, Boitumelo, who is studying medicine, read her final letter to her father, saying that he was the first man who ever loved her unconditionally.
“You were more than just a father to me. You have always taught me to not live in mediocrity even though that is what people refer to as respect,” said Boitumelo.
“You were my anchor, my mentor, my best friend. The first man to love me and the first one who would never hurt me.
“You taught me so much as a little girl… I will be turning 21 in Cuba. We were going to both have big certificates because you were at your final stretch as a lawyer.”
Mbhele was buried at the Crystal Park Cemetery in Benoni. He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother and sister.