The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has learned with shock and sorrow the sudden and untimely passing of Stephen Nhlapo on 10 August 2016, at the age of just 52.
Our hearts and minds are with his wife, family and friends during this period of bereavement. Stephen was the union’s Chief Negotiator and Co-ordinator of Collective Bargaining, and worked for Numsa throughout his working life, plus a spell for the International Metalworkers Federation. He was never prepared to compromise in his determination to defend and advance workers’ rights.
Details of memorial services and the funeral will be issued later.
All our hearts are bleeding at the death of a dedicated revolutionary and cadre who offered his entire adult life to the service of workers and the broader working class at large.
We shall pick up the spear and shield left by this working-class hero and carry forward his contribution in the struggle for the total emancipation of the working class from the barbarism of capitalism toward the attainment of a social order.
Irvin Jim, Numsa General Secretary
Contact Patrick Craven, Acting Numsa Spokesperson
083 376 7725