By Akani Nkuna
Trade unionist and former Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) general secretary, Katishi Masemola, has died, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) announced on Saturday night.
His cause of death has not been revealed yet.
In a statement released on Sunday, SAFTU praised Masemola’s contributions and pledged to continue the fight for economic justice in his memory.
“Comrade Katishi’s perspective was internationalist. He recognized that the workers’ struggle transcends borders, emphasizing the necessity of global worker unity to effectively challenge exploitation,” said SAFTU National spokesperson Newton Masuku.
Starting as a Field Organizer, Masemola rose through the ranks due to his sharp analytical mind and ability to distill complex information into clear union policies.
His talents were quickly recognised, leading to his appointment as a Researcher.
“Comrade Katishi was an organic intellectual, capable of simplifying complex ideas, educating countless worker leaders, and raising revolutionary consciousness against exploitation and oppression,” said Masuku.
Masuku further described Masemola as a steadfast critic of distortions and revisions of revolutionary theory, always committed to learning and ahead of his time.
Masemola understood that theory should guide action, not dictate it, advocating for revolutionary practice grounded in the lived experiences of the working class.
“He spearheaded campaigns against the influx of cheap food imports that endangered food processing jobs, showcasing his strategic adaptability and unwavering commitment to workers’ interests,” said Masuku.
Masemola was the principal author of most statements issued by the “Nine Plus,” emerging as a compelling voice for workers advocating for a democratic renewal of the federation.
“The passing of Comrade Katishi deprives the working class of a dedicated servant who never wavered, even during the most challenging and isolating periods. His life must inspire us to redouble our efforts in the struggle for workers’ rights, social and economic justice, and a socialist future,” said Masuku.
Meanwhile, the ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) has also sent its deepest condolences to the Masemola family.
“There is no doubt that Comrade Masemola was a revolutionary activist and progressive intellectual. He cut his political teeth in the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and the Congress Youth Movement in his home township of Soweto,” the PTT said in a statement.
“Comrade Masemola was not only a political activist of note but also a keen absorber of education, knowledge, and information. His academic achievements — spanning fields such as Industrial Psychology and Economics — are testament to his lifelong pursuit of learning.”
“These achievements, combined with his ability to research complex topics and explain them simply, made him a true embodiment of progressive intellectualism, particularly within the trade union and working-class movement.”
Masemola was previously dismissed as FAWU general secretary in 2019 following a prolonged internal dispute among its leadership regarding the disappearance of millions of rand.
This financial turmoil stemmed from the union’s investment company, Basebenzi Investment Group, where Masemola served as acting chief executive, and resulted in a loss of R19 million.
Masemola held a bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics from the University of Witwatersrand. Additionally, he earned a master’s degree in Economic Policy from the University of Stellenbosch.
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