BERENG Soke, the former general secretary of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), has passed away after a long illness, the union confirmed on Tuesday.
Soke, who was affectionately known as ‘Chairman Mao, was elected Nehawu’s General Secretary at the health sector union’s 2014 Special National Congress, a position he held until June 2017.
He also served as the District Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District in the Free State.
“NEHAWU sends sincerest condolences to his family, friends and comrades in the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM). We wish his family strength and courage in the period of dealing with this dark hour,” said Nehawu spokesperson Khaya Xaba in a statement on Tuesday.
“His passing takes place while workers are bleeding and under a relentless attack from our democratically elected government which is currently driving a concerted plan to obliterate
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za










