NGQELENI – The Eastern Cape Department of Education, MEC Fundile Gade and Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp have expressed sadness at the passing of South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) Gender Convenor Philiswa Maqokolo.

Originally from Malungeni, she was the principal of Gcinizizwe Primary School in Ngqeleni.

Maqokolo passed away while attending an Education International conference in Brazil, where she was representing SADTU.

According to Gade, Maqokolo served the education sector for decades in various capacities as an educationist and trade unionist.

“The sector has lost a selfless leader whose contribution to education and the broader democratic project has left an indelible mark. Her commitment to equality, justice and the liberation of women has contributed to the advancement of our society and the freedoms we enjoy today. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and her organisation of choice, SADTU,” said Gade.

A career dedicated to education and equality

He added that, on behalf of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, he wished to express his deepest condolences to the SADTU Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) leadership, the entire organisation, her family, friends, colleagues, the broader education community and comrades.

“We have lost a courageous advocate for the liberation and empowerment of women in the province and the country.”

The Eastern Cape Department of Education joins SADTU, the education fraternity and all those who knew and worked with her in mourning her passing.

Details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated once the family has made the necessary announcements.

General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), Mugwena Maluleke, said they were deeply shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the untimely passing of Maqokolo.

Tributes for a ‘committed union leader’

He said Maqokolo’s passing, far away from home but among comrades with whom she shared a deep commitment to the struggle for quality education for all, gender equality and social justice, had left them devastated.

“We commend the leadership of SADTU and Education International for acting swiftly and compassionately to ensure that she received assistance and care during this difficult period. SADTU expresses its profound and deepest condolences to the Maqokolo family, her school, friends and comrades, as well as the entire SADTU Eastern Cape membership. We know that no words can adequately express the depth of our pain caused by this devastating loss,” said Maluleke.

He added that Maqokolo gave herself wholeheartedly to the work of the union. She died while carrying out the work she believed in and serving the cause to which she had dedicated her life.

“We hope that the memories of her life, her courage and her unwavering commitment will provide some measure of comfort. We are deeply touched and strengthened by the outpouring of messages of condolence and solidarity from education unions across the world.”

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