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David Sipunzi. Image: Leon Sadiki
- The condolences go to David Sipunzi, general secretary of the National Union of Miners.
- Sipunzi died on Christmas Day.
- Ubank Limited, the South African Minerals Council and the ANC have expressed their condolences to his family and colleagues.
Condolences have been expressed for the general secretary of the National Union of Miners (NUM), David Sipunzi.
News24 reported that Sipunzi died on Christmas Day and at this time the cause of his death was unknown.
In a statement, Ubank Limited expressed shock and sadness after Sipunzi’s death.
The South African Minerals Council also expressed its sincere condolences to his family and colleagues. In a statement, the council said Sipunzi led by example and was always ready to compromise with all parties, while fully representing the interests of its members.
“Particularly during this year, where companies, government and unions have collaborated closely to prevent and manage the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Sipunzi demonstrated his leadership and compassion, and his faith in the value of the mining industry. . lost “.
Meanwhile, Ubank Limited CEO Luthando Vutula said Sipunzi was dedicated to the welfare of the miners.
Vutula, on behalf of Ubank and its board of directors, expressed its condolences to Sipunzi’s family, colleagues and friends.
Vutula said:
He was firm, passionate, and took seriously his vow to fight for the rights of miners and all workers. He spoke on behalf of the workers and did his best to have their complaints heard in order to find the best resolutions. Mr. Sipunzi lived his work, it could even be said that it was his vocation for him.
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.
ANC spokesman Pule Mabe said they had sadly learned of Sipunzi’s untimely passing.
Mabe said that Sipunzi was the champion of the working class, who spent most of his life promoting the unity of the working class.
“He never wavered or backed down from setbacks. Members of NUM will cherish his memory as one of the fiercest fighters for working class unity and a staunch defender of workers’ rights.
“He was an uncompromising hero of the working class who used every fiber of his being to fight against the exploitation of the workers. The labor movement has lost a true servant of the workers,” Mabe said.
The party conveyed its condolences to his family, comrades, NUM, Cosatu and the entire mass democratic movement.
“We hope you find comfort in knowing that your pain is felt by the entire nation. We wish you strength and fortitude in your hour of pain. May your revolutionary soul rest in peace,” Mabe said.
