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NATU President Memorial Allen Thompson has died.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande says he is “deeply saddened” by the death of the president of the National Union of Teachers, Allen Thompson, who died after experiencing complications related to Covid-19.
READ | President of the National Union of Teachers, Allen Thompson, dies
In a statement, Nzimande said he knew Thompson as a “fearless, outspoken and dedicated fighter for teachers’ rights.” He added that his contribution to the education sector would be missed.
Nzimande said Thompson’s death came as the union movement and the country was still reeling in shock after the death of South African Municipal Workers Union General Secretary Koena Ramatlou.
“I am truly devastated by this massive loss that we continue to experience as an education sector where several of our hardworking leaders depart primarily due to Covid-19 related complications.
“This phenomenon has not only been affecting the education sector and the labor movement, but our society in general,” he said.
Nzimande called on South Africans to join President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to change behavior to prevent and control coronavirus outbreaks by following health and safety protocols.
In 2018, Thompson survived an assassination attempt in his life when heavily armed men attacked him while traveling from Empangeni to Durban, News24 previously reported.
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