Education International mourns the passing of Piliswa Maqokolo
Education International is profoundly saddened and shaken by the sudden passing of Piliswa Maqokolo, a delegate from the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) and participant in the 5th Education International World Women’s Conference.
Piliswa came to this conference in Bahía, Brazil, as a newly elected leader, committed to strengthening women’s leadership in education unions and advancing the rights of educators and students. Her presence, her energy, her joy, and commitment to the values of solidarity and justice made an impression on all who had the opportunity to meet her. Her passing is a profound loss to her family, colleagues, union, and the wider Education International community.
Education International President Mugwena Maluleke expressed his deep sorrow:
“To our delegates attending the EI World Women’s Conference, we express our profound shock and deep sadness at the tragic loss of our beloved Piliswa Maqokolo. During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with you and extend our heartfelt condolences.
As we mourn this painful loss, may we draw strength from the words of Maya Angelou: ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.’ May this reminder of resilience and courage sustain you as we honour the life, legacy, and contribution of our beloved comrade. Stay strong.”
Education International General Secretary David Edwards said:
“Our movement is built on solidarity, and today we feel the weight of this loss together. Her passing is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with her family, her friends, her colleagues in SADTU, and everyone who knew and loved her. We stand with them in grief and in remembrance of a life dedicated to collective progress and public education.”
Deputy General Secretary Cassandra Hallett reflected on the profound impact of the news on conference participants:
“Amid the joy and fulfilment of this conference, we have been reminded of how precious life is. Piliswa was here to rise up with all of us. She was a newly elected leader so much ahead of her, and her loss has come as a shock to our conference community. In these difficult moments, we must hold one another close, support those who are grieving, and honour Piliswa by continuing the work to which she was so committed.”
During this difficult time, Education International extends its sincere condolences to Piliswa’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire SADTU community. We also hold in our thoughts the members of the South African delegation and all participants at the World Women’s Conference who are mourning the loss of a committed colleague and beloved sister.
Marième Sakho Dansokho, Vice President of Education International for Africa, added:
“As trade unionists, we know no borders. Across countries, languages, and cultures, we are one family of sisters and brothers united by solidarity. Today, we feel this loss together, and we share the pain of our colleagues in South Africa as our own.
We were blessed to have our sister Piliswa with us at this conference. We will remember the conviction she brought to our movement and the values she stood for, and we will continue pushing forward the work for justice, equality, and quality public education that brought her here.
As we grieve together, we also celebrate Piliswa’s commitment, leadership, and contribution to our movement. Her memory will remain with us, and her legacy will continue through the collective work of educators and unionists as we organise for a more just and equitable world.
In solidarity and remembrance.
Education International
