The African National Congress (ANC) in the O.R. Tambo Region mourns the untimely passing of Comrade Sonwabo Vava, a committed cadre of our movement and a fearless activist of the working class.
Comrade Vava cut his political teeth in the ANC Youth League, where he distinguished himself as a dedicated champion of the interests of young people. He previously led the ANCYL Kumkani Mhlontlo Sub-region as its Sub-regional Chairperson. He belonged to a generation that passionately advanced the call for economic freedom in our lifetime, firmly believing that the transformation of the commanding heights of the economy — including the nationalisation of strategic sectors — remains central to overcoming the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality confronting the poor and the marginalised in South Africa.
A tireless activist, Comrade Vava immersed himself in the struggles of workers. He played an active role on the shop floor under the banner of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), where his sharp understanding of workers’ issues and unwavering commitment to their rights earned him both respect and leadership responsibility. He served as a member of the Regional Executive Committee of NEHAWU and ultimately rose to the position of Deputy Chairperson until his passing. At the time of his death, he was also serving as Cluster Deputy Chairperson and Chairperson of COSATU Tsolo Local.
Comrade Vava’s political development was organic and firmly rooted in activism. From the Youth League, he transitioned into the ranks of the ANC, where he served diligently in the Branch Executive Committee (BEC) over several terms, including three terms as Branch Chairperson. At the time of his passing, he was serving as Chairperson of the Walter Mzingisi Dazana Branch in the Kumkani Mhlontlo Sub-region. His life was characterised by service, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the National Democratic Revolution.
It is deeply painful that the life of such a committed activist of the working class has been cut short by criminal elements that continue to terrorise our communities. As the ANC in the Region, we recall our march against crime in September 2024, where we raised alarm about the rising incidents of senseless killings and lawlessness.
We reiterate our call for all stakeholders — including law enforcement agencies, community structures, and civil society — to act decisively and in unity to defeat these stubborn criminal elements. We further call upon law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act, including its orchestrators, are swiftly brought to justice.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Vava family, comrades, friends, and all who knew and worked with Comrade Sonwabo Vava. May they find comfort in this difficult time, and may his revolutionary spirit continue to inspire us to intensify the struggle for a just, equal, and crime-free society.
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ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS – O.R. TAMBO REGION
Enquiries:
Cde Vinny Tsita
Regional Secretary
Mobile: 065 670 0059
Email: vinny.ortambo@gmail.com
