FAWU PAYS TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN COMRADE , KZN ORGANISER CDE TEMBA MQADI

6 August 2020

FAWU Solemnly Mourns Fellow Cde Temba Mqadi..

It is with profound shock and sadness that FAWU has learnt of the passing of our beloved union organiser Themba Mqadi from Kwa-Zulu Natal province on Thursday, 30 July 2020. Comrade Mqadi fell ill two weeks ago and was hospitalised on Saturday, 25 July 2020.

Comrade Mqadi was like no other official. His humbleness, dedication and passion for his work and the exceptional love for FAWU members in the merchandising sector made him a much- loved comrade.

His unwaivering commitment and selfless dedication to recruit members saw him being employed in a contract position in 2010. He often met with merchandisers on Sundays in the union’s offices. By the time he was employed on a permanent basis in 2011, he had single-handedly recruited 4312 paid-up members, which was double the target he was given at the start of the recruitment process. Since becoming a permanent employee in 2011, Cde Mqadi never once took leave during the December shutdown or any other important holiday as you would have found him working flat out. Even during level 4 and 5 of the lockdown, the comrade was out there helping members as testament to his unwaivering commitment to the union and its members.

 

Cde Mqadi was working at Beacon Sweets and Chocolate until 1989 and was once the chair person of FAWU’s Thembeni branch for two terms and deputy chair person of COSATU Pine town local and of the REC( today called the PEC) of FAWU. Thereafter, he was employed by the Sales and Merchandising Specialists( SMS). He diligently continued with his militant approach and organised and recruited other merchandisers into FAWU. In 2003, he was dismissed unfairly and after fifteen months, he won his case and was reinstated with full benefits. This reinstatement inspired him to go out and recruit even more members in the rural towns of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Cde Mqadi was truly committed to the extent that he even used his own money at times for travelling and accommodation during recruitment processes.

In 2018, FAWU offered cde Mqadi the position of FAWU Provincial Recruitment Organiser, which he continued to do with distinction which is evident by the fact that he left us with verifications meetings and CCMA disputes in terms of Section 21 of the Labour Relations Act. Our comrades from the Kwa-Zulu Natal province will follow up these scheduled meetings to resume his outstanding work.

Comrade Mqadi sadly leaves behind his ex-wife and 6 kids within and outside the marriage. FAWU officials from the province has visited Cde Mqadi’s family yesterday and they confirmed that the funeral will be held on Thursday, 6 August 2020.

FAWU salutes Comrade Temba Mqadi for his hard work, total dedication to the workers’ struggle and the wonderful colleague and friend he was.

Cde Mqadi will sadly be missed by all in the province. May his dear soul rest in peace.

 

Long Live the Spirit of Comrade Mqadi, Long Live!!

Released by General Secretary Mngomezulu Mayoyo on behalf of FAWU National Office-bearers and all FAWU staff and members