SAFTU mourns the passing of Zamille Booi
The South African Federation of Trade Unions is deeply saddened by the passing of Zamile Booi, in a road accident.
The federation dips its banners in honour of a dedicated workers’ representative who always placed his political principles before any personal interests and proved his commitment to fighting for his fellow workers and against corruption within unions, not only in words but in action.
Comrade Booi left his former union, the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) when its leaders were implicated in corruption. He joined the National Transport Movement (NTM) led by former SATAWU President Ephraim Mphahplele, but was dismayed when Mphahlele himself was then charged with corruption, was purging the NTM of members who questioned his leadership, including Booi, and seeking to disaffiliate the union from SAFTU.
He made it clear that Mphahlele no longer represented him or the members of NTM and left to join the Democratised Transport Logistics and Allied Workers Union (Detawu) which he served until his sudden passing.
He was a member of the SAFTU Free State provincial co-ordinating committee and frequently represented the province at SAFTU’s national executive committee meetings.
He was a passionate lover of workers and supporter of their struggles, in which he always played a leading role. The working class are poorer without him, and his humble and thoughtful contributions to their struggles. His life will stand as an example to inspire others to follow the same revolutionary path.
SAFTU sends its deepest condolences to Comrade Zamile’s family, friends and comrades in the Free State and DETAWU.
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