The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape conveys its message of sincere condolences to the Mkosana family for the great loss encountered with the sudden passing of Dr Vanguard Mbuyiseli Mkosana.
Dr Vanguard Mkosana passed away yesterday, Thursday 1st July 2021 after short illness. He was born on the 16th September 1954 at Mqonci Village in Idutywa. He worked as a miner and a teacher where he distinguished himself as a worker leader.
Dr Mkosana left the country in 1980 and went into exile to join the ANC in Lesotho . While in Lesotho he played a role in the Committee focusing on the Mining Industry that played a leading role in the formation of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
Dr Vanguard Mkosana was a trade unionist of note. He fought for workers’ rights and universal emancipation. He also served in the executive committee of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU) while in exile as the Head of Publicity. Dr Vanguard continued with with academic studies while in exile and attained Doctorate in Journalism at Charles University, Prague in the Czech Republic. He also completed Wits University’s Harvard Business School’s Executive Programme for Southern Africa.
When he returned from exile in 1990, Mkosana joined the South African Railways and Harbours Workers’ Union as Head of the Media Department. He also served General Secretary of the Congress of South African Writers (COSAW).
Dr Mkosana gained extensive experience in the public service in the Eastern Cape Provincial Government as Head of Department in the Premier’s Office and the Department of Transport.
Dr Mkosana joined the National Department of Labour in 2000 as Deputy Director-General (DDG) : Internal Management and Operations . He was later appointed as Deputy Director General (DDG)- Service Delivery. Dr Mkosana was appointed in 2004 as the Director General (DG) at Department of Labour. He served as the Chairperson of the the Board – Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA). Dr Vanguard was appointed as Chairperson of the Board – Council for Mineral Technology (MINTEK) in May 2020. Dr Vanguard Mkosana’s skills and expertise was affirmed when he was appointed to serve in the ANC Eastern Cape Economic Transformation Subcommittee from 2013 to 2018.
The name of Vanguard Mkosana belongs to the galaxy of exceptional men and women who, through their dedication and discipline, rose from humble beginnings to make an indelible mark in our nation’s collective consciousness and helped to shape our country’s democratic destiny.
We dip our revolutionary banner in honour of this fallen, dedicated cadre of our movement, a revolutionary and an unassuming leader who served workers and this country with diligence and selflessness.
We have lost a dedicated cadre – someone who was always ready to roll up his sleeves and work in the interest of the people of South Africa. We send our condolences to the Mkosana family, relatives and friends.
Hamba Kahle Mkhonto!
ISSUED BY THE PROVINCIAL SECRETARY OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, CDE LULAMA NGCUKAYITOBI
Enquiries :
Cde Loyiso Magqashela
ANC PEC Provincial Spokesperson
Mobile No :?0762479845?/?0823059611?
Cde Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
Mobile No :?0849519924? /?0848439706?
