Numsa mourns the passing of KZN chairperson Phakama Kheswa

Numsa mourns the passing of KZN chairperson Phakama Kheswa! The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has lowered its revolutionary red flag in honor of its KwaZulu-Natal chairperson, Phakama Kheswa, who passed away on Friday.

A Dedicated Union Leader

Kheswa, who was born on July 16, 1960, was described by his comrades as a selfless Struggle stalwart who remained committed to the rights and well-being of workers throughout his life. Unlike some who use leadership positions for personal gain, Kheswa was known for his integrity and dedication to the trade union movement.

Numsa’s provincial secretary, Mzamo Khoza, praised Kheswa for his unwavering commitment to the union and its members.

“He was a very loyal and committed comrade who did not put his personal interests before the interests of members, meaning that the interests of the workers were at the centre of everything that you can think of him,” said Khoza.

KZN chairperson Phakama Kheswa

Kheswa’s Long Service in Numsa

Khoza recalled meeting Kheswa in 2006, when he was already an active shop steward. Over the years, Kheswa became a pillar of strength within Numsa, dedicating more than 20 years of his life to the cause of workers’ rights.

He served as a full-time shop steward at Eskom, where he played a crucial role in growing Numsa’s membership and representing workers’ interests. His leadership extended beyond Numsa, as he was also elected Cosatu chairperson in Pinetown, a position he held for one or two terms.

In 2016, Kheswa’s leadership skills were further recognized when he was elected as Numsa’s Pinetown chairperson, where he played a key role in uniting and leading workers in the region. His contributions were so significant that, in April 2022, he was elected Numsa’s regional (KwaZulu-Natal) chairperson, a position he held until his passing.

A Life Dedicated to the Workers’ Struggle

Kheswa’s commitment to Numsa and workers’ rights remained strong despite his health struggles in recent years. Khoza described him as a disciplined cadre of the movement, noting that as far as they knew, Kheswa never joined any other trade union—he remained loyal to Numsa throughout his life.

Numsa General Secretary, Irvin Jim, also paid tribute to Kheswa, describing him as a skilled negotiator, a fearless working-class leader, and a staunch defender of workers’ rights.

“We lower our revolutionary red flag in respect and in honor of Comrade Kheswa, who was an outstanding loyal senior cadre of Numsa and a veteran of our working-class movement,” Jim stated.

He further emphasized that Kheswa’s passing is a great loss to the labor movement, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of union leaders.

“We salute you, Comrade Kheswa, and we can only say there is no sun that rises, that does not set. Our only task is to pick up the spear and soldier on,” Jim added.

Memorial and Funeral Arrangements

To honor Kheswa’s memory, Numsa will hold a memorial service on Thursday afternoon at its Jabu Ndlovu provincial office, located at 129 Che Guevara Road, Durban.

His final resting place will be in ePhangwini village in Estcourt, where he will be buried on Saturday.

A Legacy That Lives On

Kheswa’s passing marks the end of an era for Numsa and the broader labor movement. His unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, dedication to trade unionism, and leadership in challenging times made him a respected figure among his comrades.

As Numsa mourns his loss, they also celebrate his life and contributions, vowing to continue the struggle for workers’ rights in his honor.

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