By Johnathan Paoli
Acting President Paul Mashatile will deliver the eulogy at a Special Official Memorial Service honouring the late Membathisi Mdladlana, who was the former labour minister and high commissioner to Canada.
The service will take place at the Jakes Gerwel Hall at the University of the Western Cape on Saturday morning.
Mdladlana passed away last week Friday at the age of 72.
His distinguished career began as a teacher and school principal before he made history as a member of South Africa’s first democratic Parliament in 1994.
He served as labour minister from 1998, appointed by President Nelson Mandela, and continued under presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma.
In recognition of his contributions, Mashatile declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
While a private family funeral was held on Wednesday, the upcoming memorial will celebrate Mdladlana’s legacy as a trade unionist and advocate for labour rights.
The ANC Veterans’ League has expressed profound sorrow at his passing, highlighting his role as a founding father of the South African Teachers Union and his transformative efforts in labour law.
Snuki Zikalala, president of the league, praised Mdladlana as a decisive leader who worked tirelessly to dismantle apartheid-era barriers and advance worker rights.
The memorial service is expected to draw numerous attendees, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for a man who shaped labour policy and fought for democracy in the country.
INSIDE POLITICS
