The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has paid tribute to the late National Union of Mineworkers’ NUM General-Secretary David Sipunzi saying he will be remembered for his contribution to the fight for workers’ rights.
Sipunzi died on Friday morning. The cause of death is still unknown and NUM Deputy General Secretary, William Mabapa says more details will be communicated soon by the family.
We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Comrade David Sipunzi the General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). Comrade Sipunzi passed away yesterday.#RIPDavidSipunzi
.@mammburu
.@IrvinJimSA pic.twitter.com/ymfwSvYsKT— NUMSA (@Numsa_Media) December 26, 2020
He joined NUM in 1985 – the same year in which he started his career in the mining industry at Harmony.
He became a NUM Shaft Steward in 1986 and in 1987 he was elected the NUM Shaft Deputy-Secretary. In 1991, Sipunzi was elected the NUM Free State Deputy Regional Secretary. In 1993, he was elected the NUM Deputy Branch Secretary and in 1996, Sipunzi was elected as the Branch Secretary.
NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi- Majola says Sipunzi strongly believed in the unity of the working class.
“Comrade Sipunzi believed very strongly in the unity of the working class. We worked with NUM when workers at Eskom were negotiating wages in 2018 and together we also marched to the Union Buildings and fought side by side to oppose the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers and the unbundling of the SOE. His untimely passing is a blow to the working class. We stand in solidarity with members of the NUM in mourning him.”
NUM GS David Kolekile Sipunzi passes away:
