The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) will commemorate the life of Thembinkosi Mdoda, the assassinated regional chairperson of the Eastern Cape’s bus passenger sector.
Mdoda, who was a Numsa shop steward for the Algoa Bus Company in Gqeberha, was shot and killed by unknown gunmen last week.
A memorial service for Mdoda will get under way at 5pm at KwaZakhele High School in Gqeberha on Monday.
On Tuesday, a prayer service will be conducted by his colleagues at his home in France, a township in Gqeberha.
Shot on his way to work
According to Numsa general secretary, Irvin Jim, Mdoda was shot on his way to work by unknown assailants. Nothing was taken from him following his murder.
“Numsa condemns the cowardly thugs who assassinated Mdoda. We demand that the SAPS [SA Police Service] act and arrest the people who murdered him,” said Jim.
He went on to say that the country was getting extremely violent and that there was no value for human life.
“The working class is particularly vulnerable because they cannot afford to protect themselves by spending on luxury security estates or private security.”
He added that the union extends its condolences to Mdoda’s family, his friends, and comrades in the Eastern Cape region.
Highly respected leader
“Numsa has lost a highly respected and courageous leader of the union. His passing is a major loss to shop stewards and workers because he was very experienced and he led many struggles on the shop floor in defence of workers.
“We shall miss his determination and his drive to ensure that workers’ interests are defended at all times. Hamba kahle, qabane, usebenzile [farewell, comrade, you have served us well].”
Mdoda also served as the national bargaining representative in the Bus Passenger Sector Bargaining Council.
Jim said the Eastern Cape region has been meeting with Mdoda’s family and is coordinating the funeral arrangements.
His funeral will be held at his home village in Thamarha, King Williams Town, on Sunday.
Eastern Cape spokesperson Col Priscilla Naidu said last Tuesday, at about 5am, the police responded to a shooting on Junior Street in Kwazakele.
“The victim, Thembinkosi Mdoda was found with gunshot wounds to his head while seated in his vehicle. He was taken to the hospital; however, he succumbed to his injuries. Circumstances surrounding the murder is under investigation. No suspect or suspects were arrested. The investigation is continuing,” said Naidu.
