Tributes pour in for ‘trade unionist of great integrity’ Samwu general secretary Koena Ramotlou
THE National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu), the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union (Sactwu) and South African Local Government Association (Salga) have paid tribute to South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) general secretary Koena Ramotlou, who died on Saturday.
Nehawu said it had learnt with shock about the untimely death of its sister union's general secretary.
Nehawu said in a statement the workers of the country, especially municipal workers, "certainly lost a tireless leader and a trade unionist of great integrity".
Ramotlou was at the forefront of leading the rebuilding of Samwu, including waging a relentless war against “employers and the National Treasury, who are currently leading an onslaught against workers", the union said.
At the time of his death, Ramotlou was leading the implementation of the 12th national congress resolutions which included uniting all municipal workers under the banner of Samwu and undertaking a massive recruitment campaign.
"He will forever be remembered for his sharp analytical skills as a Marxist-Leninist. He struggled for the attainment of socialism and fought against the exploitation of workers by the capitalist class.
"The national union is deeply saddened by his death and conveys its deep and heartfelt condolences to his family, municipal workers, comrades, and friends. May his soul forever rest in perfect peace," the Nehawu statement said.
In an earlier statement issued on Twitter, Sactwu said it regarded Ramotlou's death as a great loss to public sector workers, in particular at local government level, "whom he was determined to serve well".
"His many years of hard work in the labour movement is testimony of his unwavering commitment to workers in general, and he will never be forgotten.
"We extend our sincere condolences to Samwu members, to his immediate and extended family, and to all in our federation Cosatu [Congress of South African Trade Unions]," the Sactwu statement said.
Salga said Ramotlou's leadership was exceptional as he was a highly committed union leader and a superbly skilled negotiator.
“As Salga we are deeply saddened by this loss, Cde Koena Ramotlou was an important representative of labour in the South African Local Government Bargaining Chamber.
“He was astute, soft- spoken, unflinching yet reasonable.
“His leadership and negotiation style will be greatly missed during the next few months which are a critical phase, not only in local government salary negotiations but for labour stability in South African municipalities."
Salga said it wanted to convey its condolences to the Ramotlou family, and his comrades and friends.
“We share in your grief and we express our deepest sympathies on this tragic loss. Cde Koena Ramotlou was indeed an outstanding colleague and a great family man."
THE Cosatu-affiliated Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers' Union (Sactwu) mourns the passing on Saturday of Koena Ramatlou, the general secretary of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu).
We regard this as a great loss to the public sector workers, in particular at local government level, whom he was always determined to serve well. His many years of hard work in the labour movement were testament to his unwavering commitment to workers in general and will never be forgotten.
We extend our sincere condolences to all Samwu members, to his immediate and extended family, and to all in our federation Cosatu.