Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the passing of former Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana has been an enormous loss not only for his family, but the country and the democratic movement.
‘To those among us who have sipped from the well of his wisdom and insight, we extend our gratitude to his family for the grace of sharing him with us through both trials and triumphs,’ Mashatile said.
The Deputy President was speaking at the Official Memorial Service held in the Western Cape on Saturday.
The later former Minister and High Commissioner to Canada, Mdladlana passed away on Friday, 18 October 2024, at the age of 72.
His family requested a private funeral which took place on Wednesday, 23 September 2024.
The Deputy President said on Saturday that in recent times, the country has had to part ways with many ‘guiding stars, companions, allies and cherished souls who have traversed the tumultuous journey to illuminate the way toward democracy’.
‘They belonged to an illustrious generation of revolutionarie
s and servant leaders whose contribution to the liberation and development of South Africa remains immeasurable,’ he said.
These stalwarts set themselves on a course to liberate South Africa from tyranny.
‘What brings us solace and profound delight is that unlike many of their comrades, they have tasted the sweetness of freedom in their days. A tale I trust they shall weave upon reaching the other side, recounting to those who were not graced with such fortune to behold it.
‘Those who have recently departed achieved their mission and fulfilled their personal destinies. yet their work, our work, is not yet complete. The South Africa of true equality for all is still to be fully realised,’ the Deputy President said.
The Deputy President said the late Mdladlana was one of the leading lights in the struggle for liberation.
‘He was the embodiment of resilience. His life provided a lesson in the true nature of social justice, that one must seek for others what you seek for yourself. He understood that a thrivi
ng economy depends on the well-being of its workers. He fought to ensure that South Africa’s workforce received fair treatment and protection under the law.
‘During his tenure, he fully implemented the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997, one of the most significant pieces of legislation. This Act guaranteed fair working hours, decent wages and safeguards against exploitation for workers,’ Deputy President Mashatile said.
Mdladlana was an activist, a unionist, and a leader who was able to transcend an unjust system.
‘He did it not for his own personal gain but for the benefit and improvement of others. He always reiterated the rallying cry that an injury to one is an injury to all,’ Mashatile said.
He said Mdladlana walked by faith rather than sight as stated in the great book.
‘He hoped and believed that South Africa would one day be free and certainly it is today.’
Source: South African Government News Agency