“A Revolutionary, An Educator, Loyal to the Movement, its People and Character till the Very End* A Tribute to Cde Litho Doc Suka.”
ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Andile Lungisa described party stalwart, the late Litho Suka, as a beacon of solidarity and someone who tirelessly advocated within the realm of workers’ rights and the labour movement.
Lungisa said this over at the weekend when he bid farewell to the veteran Struggle leader.
He said his generation would remember him as a revolutionary whose dedication and tireless efforts left an indelible mark in their hearts and the history of the country’s Struggle.
“Today (Sunday), we honour and bid farewell to comrade Litho Suka, we remember a revolutionary whose dedication and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our hearts and the history of our Struggle.
“Comrade Litho Suka, a stalwart member of our movement, became a unionist in the late 70s under the leadership of our esteemed comrade Rhalawe.
“It was during those tumultuous times, amidst the dark shadows of apartheid, that Litho’s unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice shone brightest.
“As a member of the education crisis committee, Comrade Doc Suka fearlessly stood on the frontlines of the fight against apartheid, advocating for equal access to education and tirelessly working to dismantle the system of oppression that sought to divide our people,” Lungisa said.
Among his sterling contributions to education, activism, and sports, Suka was a dedicated unionist and working-class activist, who led by example, championed the cause of fair labour practices and social justice for all, he said.
“His leadership within the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) was defined by a steadfast commitment to improving the conditions of educators and advancing the quality of education for all South African children.
“After the dawn of democracy in 1994, Comrade Suka’s service extended to the hallowed halls of Parliament, where he was deployed to represent the interests of the people and champion the values of freedom and equality.
“His tenure as a parliamentarian reflected his deep-seated commitment to transforming South Africa into a more just and equitable society for all its citizens.”
He encouraged mourners to carry forward Suka’s legacy of integrity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the cause of justice.
Lungisa said Suka’s life served as a shining example of the transformative power of service and the enduring impact of a life lived in service to others.
Suka is former educator who served as a councillor of Nelson Mandela Bay from 2015 until 2021.
He was also a chief whip of council between 2015 and 2016. Prior to serving in council, Suka was a permanent delegate of the National Council of Provinces from 2014 to 2015 and also served as a member of the National Assembly from 2009 to 2014.
The Star
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