Monday, 8 June 2026: The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of renowned South African scholar, educator, historian, and former public servant John Pampallis. We also send our condolences to the entire liberation movement, in which he served with utmost dedication, and the people of South Africa for the loss.

John Pampallis’ intellect and integrity as a scholar whose intellect left an indelible mark on the country’s schooling and post-school systems. His loss will be felt by many generations of our country.

Beginning his career as a teacher in South Africa, he continued his work with passion, teaching in various countries, including Botswana, Canada and Tanzania. While in exile, he worked at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College in Tanzania, from May 1980 to December 1989, as a teacher and deputy vice principal, helping to educate young South African activists who had taken up the baton to fight against the racist apartheid system. His commitment to the liberation struggle was unblemished.

Following our 1994 democratic breakthrough, Pampallis played a significant role in the rebuilding of the South African education system and its institutions. He contributed to the transformation of the system to the new department of higher education and training to create clearer pathways from school to further study and work. With his background rooted in a strong commitment to social justice and his genuine care for young people, his tireless efforts led to a more inclusive system that would give young people from poor and rural backgrounds better opportunities to study after leaving school.

In memory of John Pampallis, the SACP calls for the further development of our system of education and training, particularly with more focus on townships and rural areas. We also support the calls for the abolition of student debt and the creation of pathways to education, skills, work and dignity for young people. Further, education institutions and transport systems must be accessible, inclusive and accountable to learners and educators with disabilities in line with the nation’s aspirations of equal access to education and work.

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
 
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