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The general secretary of the National Union of Mining Workers (NUM), David Sipunzi, passed away on Christmas Day.
In a statement, NUM said that Sipunzi had died around 11:00 on Friday and that the cause of his death was unknown at this time. NUM Undersecretary General William Mabapa said Sipunzi’s family confirmed his death to the organization.
They said Sipunzi would be remembered for his commitment to fighting for workers’ rights.
“He was a trade unionist who did not stop fighting for the rights of NUM members. His global contribution as one of the Vice Presidents of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and his efforts on labor rights will not be easily forgotten.
“Comrade Sipunzi dedicated his entire life serving the mining, construction and energy workers in South Africa until his untimely death. He firmly believed in the rights of the oppressed and in the voice of the voiceless,” he said. NO.
Sipunzi started in the mining industry in 1985, the same year he joined NUM. He quickly rose through the ranks and was elected NUM Free State Regional Secretary in 1999 and then NUM General Secretary in 2015.
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