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Education International
Education International

South African teachers mourn loss

published 28 January 2008 updated 28 January 2008

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) is grieving the sudden death of Don Pasquallie, the union's Deputy General Secretary. Pasquallie died in a car accident in Napier, in the Western Cape, early in the morning of 27 January. Four other passengers in the same car died with him, including his elder brother who was a school Deputy Principal.

EI President Thulas Nxesi, SADTU’s General Secretary, said Pasquallie’s death was a "profound loss" to the union and that he would be remembered as a "visionary and strategist."

"Even as we reel from the shock of the news of his death, we take some comfort in recognising and celebrating Don's massive achievement and contribution to trade unionism and the teachers of South Africa," Nxesi said. "A hard working organiser and negotiator, he was a man of great warmth and compassion. He was a giant. He will be greatly missed."

EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen extended sincere condolences on behalf of Education International. “We are deeply shocked and saddened,” he said. “Don Pasquallie was a highly- respected teacher trade union activist. Please convey our heartfelt sympathy to his family.” Pasquallie, aged 41, is survived by his wife, Gerna, and three daughters: Garcia, Bianca and Carla.

He joined SADTU in 1991 as a member of the Elsies River branch of the Western Cape. He rose to the position of provincial secretary of the Western Cape, and in 2006 joined the national leadership as Deputy General Secretary.

Pasquallie spearheaded the organisational development and renewal of the union. “He led the union's national collective bargaining team and was committed to improving service delivery to members through better training and communication," said Nxesi.

Pasquallie also served on the provincial development council of the Western Cape, and was deputy chair of the council of the University of the Western Cape.