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The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union in Free State is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of its founding member and former Provincial Secretary, Comrade Fanie Sithole. This sad and shocking news reached the attention of the Union during the Induction of Provincial Working Committee and Regional Office Bearers on the 22nd of September 2022.

We have lost a great, a humble, respectful, committed, and firm revolutionary leader who has never, at any stage, got investigated or accused of any maladministration or involved in corrupt activities in the Department of Education where he worked. SADTU is poorer with the passing of this great leader of our struggle.

Comrade Fanie was one of the few leaders who despite occupying the senior position in the Department of Education that of the Deputy Director General (DDG) never betrayed the revolution and remained relevant to the cause. He would not hesitate in any meeting of the Department with the Union to admit when the Department was on the wrong side in order for the matter to be laid to rest. He would be honest with his colleagues to admit the mistakes of the department even if he was not directly involved in what the union would be raising. In his presence the solution was certain and would ensure that the problem never surface.

Comrade Fanie passes on during the period when the Union was busy writing a letter to him seeking his intervention in the matter that relates to SYREC where the Directorate has never invited nor engaged the Union on sports issues whilst there are many complaints and dissatisfaction coming from the schools and officials. With his intervention surely the matter would be receiving the necessary attention it deserves as he did during the 2022 School Choral Music Eisteddfod when there was a deliberate delay by the Senior Official to approve the budget on the eve of the provincial competitions. As we were preparing the letter, little did we know that the DDG was not well and would never receive it.

During his reshuffling from the DDG responsible for Cooperate Services to Curriculum and District Management which he never approved, Comrade Fanie never made noise about his unhappiness. Instead, he demonstrated a strong character and accepted the decision made by those in position of authority to reshuffle. In his new position whilst not happy, he never failed to deliver and was up to the task. This then proved correct the saying that you can’t keep a good man down.

 SADTU in Free State sends her heartfelt condolences to the family, his friends, and colleagues. We are grateful for the good work that this giant has done as the leader of the Union and in the Department of Education.

Issued by SADTU