3 December 2014
The SACP Gauteng Province mourns the death of Comrade Obed "Stalin" Maila. We also celebrate the life of this towering figure, a dedicated Communist and revolutionary who remained loyal to the cause of the working class struggle against capitalist exploitation. Comrade "Stalin" was devoted towards building a socialist society in which the working class would build a society based on the satisfaction of the basic material and cultural needs of the working people.
Comrade Maila was recently elected the SACP`s District Chairperson of the district of Tshwane in Gauteng province. He served the ANC and SACP with distinction and was a long-time activist in the struggle for liberation of the country against apartheid capitalism. He served as a professional teacher and went into hiding from police harassment. He was a passionate trade unionist who went on to establish structures of the National Union of Mineworkers whilst working underground at the Cullinan De Beers Consolidated Mine. Comrade Maila mobilised workers into the union ranks, until the mine authorities could no longer disregard the strength of the organised mineworkers. Thanks to his enormous contribution, the union was later recognised by the mine management.
He was elected the first Councillor and Mayor in the Cullinan Kungwini area. Communists and other revolutionaries dubbed him Comrade "Stalin", out of merit for his bravery and outstanding leadership qualities. Comrade Maila was a sterling giant and a committed Communist revolutionary.
He served the democratic government in the capacity as a Director, Responsible for service delivery in the Provincial Department of Human Settlements in the Tshwane Region.
The SACP Gauteng province mourns his departure. We celebrates his exemplary life and convey our deepest condolences to his wife, children and the extended family.
The memorial service of Cde Obed Stalin Maila will be held as follows:
Funeral will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, 06 December 2014
Venue: Ga-Maila, Sekhukhune, Limpopo province
Time: 06h00pm (Church service) (09h00 departure for the cemetery)
We shall remember Comrade Stalin by deepening our struggle for socialism through the National Democratic Revolution.
Issued on behalf of the SACP Gauteng Province
Contact:
Jacob Mamabolo: Provincial Secretary: 082 884 1868
Lucian Segami: Provincial Spokesperson: 079 522 0098
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