Magreth Enestinah Nhlengetwa started working for Numsa in 1991 as an administrator at Ehlanzeni local office in Neilspruit, Mpumalanga.

Magreth was a friendly person – she used to refer to everybody as Ndodana or Ndodakazi irrespective of their age.

Though some of her colleagues disliked being addressed that way, she made them understand her logical approach for doing so.

Her health started to deteriorate in March 2010 but she continued to work until April when her local organiser asked her to consult a doctor.

The doctor immediately referred her to Neilspriut Medi-clinic where she spent two weeks and was later discharged. When she was visited at home she always asked about the office and she said that she wanted to return to work.

She then went to see her doctor hoping that the doctor will say that she is fit for work. Unfortunately she was not. She had been in and out of hospital up to May 9, 2010 when she passed on.

Sad reality during her sickness
The local chairperson, shopstewards visited her in hospital.

At home she was only visited by the regional treasurer, regional administrator and one local fulltime shopstewards before she was admitted in ICU.

Funeral preparations and service day NUMSA leadership should be commended for honouring Magreth at her funeral.

The union had 500 commemorative t-shirts made.

The funeral was attended by more than 800 comrades including regional staff members and the regional secretary from Sedibeng.

Cosatu local, ANC, SACP and MDM structures were also there. The local office thanks the comrades who made this day so successful – from the time they heard the sad news until she was laid to her final rest.

May her soul rest in peace as we continue her work to improve the union.

Enock Nhlapo
Local Organiser – Ehlanzeni

Source

Numsa News No 2 2010