SAMWU Mourns its Founding President Today the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) was informed of the passing of its founding President, Comrade Petrus Mashishi. The family informed us that Comrade Mashishi passed away at his home in Soweto this morning at age 72. Comrade Mashishi was elected SAMWU President at its inaugural congress in 1987 following a merger of a number of unions including the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWN) which he was a shopsteward of. Following his election as SAMWU President, Comrade Mashishi proceeded to serve the union with diligence and dedication for more than 20 years as its number one shopsteward and President. Comrade Mashishi was loved and respected by municipal workers across the country which earned him the title of “the union’s man”. We are therefore saddened and devastated by his passing, the passing of a man who steered SAMWU towards its militancy in the workplace. We lower our banners in remembrance and honour of Comrade Mashishi. We further send our heartfelt condolences to the Mashishi family during this painful time.

The family should find comfort in the knowledge that comrade Mashishi fought tirelessly to ensure that municipal workers in the country have a voice and defender in the form of SAMWU. SAMWU National Office Bearers will be visiting the Mashishi family to personally pay respect and deliver condolences on behalf of municipal workers. We will also be making arrangements to host a memorial service for our fallen solder which shall be communicated in due course. May his revolutionary soul and spirit Rest In Peace.

Issued on 4 July 2018 by SAMWU Secretariat Contact: Simon Mathe, General Secretary, 079 887 8389 Moses Miya, Deputy General Secretary, 082 899 2169 Papikie Mohale, National Media Officer, 073 710 0356