Statement by Khanya College
Khanya College mourns the passing of Comrade Tshepo ‘Saint’ Matoko who was the General Secretary of the Gauteng Community Health Care Workers Forum. Tshepo started working with Khanya when he joined the Forum in 2014, later becoming the Secretary General from 2017.
Tshepo was a Worker Leader and very passionate about leading and uplifting the working class and Community Health Workers (CHWs). He was a dedicated activist in the Forum and dedicated his life to the fight for the permanent employment of CHWs and for better working conditions. While others succumbed to pressure from the Department of Health, he never sold the struggle, and he continued to fight. Tshepo might not see the fruits of his labour, but he has paved the way for others to continue with the struggle. Even in very difficult conditions where the struggle did not seem to be progressing, he was persistent and continued to lead with the same energy and spirit.
While the world fights against Femicide, Tshepo was on the side of the women. He led the forum which is dominated by women, led them with humbleness, respect and integrity. He always created a safe space and never dominated. Tshepo’s passing is a loss to all women who continue to fight for equality. Fem Tshepo was passionate about all struggles, even those that did not affect him directly, and he was a great ally of women.
He took his position as an organiser very seriously and led by example, tirelessly participated in many sit ins, organised and mobilised the CHWs. He was very disciplined and led with integrity and focus. This is reflected by the milestones the Forum has reached in the 2 terms he served. He always came prepared and did not get weary even when the going got tough. There is a lot to be learnt from his work ethic. Tshepo embraced the struggle and his heart was in the struggle, this was clearly reflected in his exceptional high work rate.
Tshepo was part of the Khanya family. Even though he is gone, we know his spirit will always be with us as we continue fighting against injustice and exploitation of the working class and women. It has been a privilege to know and work with him. May he rest in power.
Aluta Continua!
This statement was released on 27 June 2020. You may republish this statement, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
