COSATU calls Mdladlana an honest man who dedicated his life to serving the country
COSATU’s Matthew Parks labelled Mdladlana as an honest man who dedicated his life to serving his country.
Former Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana. Picture: ALEXANDER JOE / AFP
CAPE TOWN - The late former Minister of Labour and unionist Membathisi Mdladlana has never been accused of corruption or wrongdoing during his time in government.
This is according to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)’s Matthew Parks, who attended Mdladlana’s special official memorial service, held at the University of Western Cape on Saturday.
Parks labelled Mdladlana as an honest man who dedicated his life to serving his country.
Speaking at the late former minister’s memorial service, Parks described Mdladlana as a man of honour.
"He didn't believe in telling people lies, to be honest. Even if the truth is difficult, he would say so. He was not a populist. He wouldn't promise people heaven and earth. But I think he would also expect people to do better. I don't think he would be happy to see 2,407 jobs being at risk in the Western Cape.”
Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)’s chairperson in the Western Cape also hailed Mdladlana’s contribution to the education sector in his role as one of the teachers' union’s founding members and first chairperson.
The 72-year-old Mdladlana passed away following a brief illness.and survived by six children and two sisters.