The Congress of South African Trade Unions in Gauteng is saddened by the passing of Cde Joe Mpisi, a true revolutionary, an activist, and a trade unionist par excellence. Comrade Mpisi served diligently in various positions. He was the former Provincial Chairperson of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) in Gauteng as well as the former 1st Deputy President of NEHAWU. At the time of his passing, he served as a Provincial Chairperson of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in the province.
He was deployed in many structures, including the PEC and CEC of COSATU, ETDP-SETA board, the Gauteng legislature as the Chairperson of the Education Portfolio Committee, as well as the Chairperson of the Finance Portfolio Committee. Comrade Joe contributed immensely to the revolution and workers struggles in the province and the country at large. Amongst his contribution to the revolution and workers strike, he led the historic 2007 and 2010 public sector strike. He was also instrumental in the transformation of higher education in the province.
He was a communist through thick and thin, unshaken in his political principles. When the SACP was struggling politically between 2008 and 2009, comrade Joe Mpisi worked with comrades such as Jacob Mamabolo to resuscitate the party, which subsequently led to his election as the Provincial Chairperson of the SACP. His contribution will be immensely missed. A gallant fighter has fallen! We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May His Soul Rest in eternal peace.