Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande says he is "deeply saddened" by the death of National Teachers' Union president Allen Thompson, who died after experiencing Covid-19-related complications.
In a statement, Nzimande said he knew Thompson as a "fearless, outspoken and dedicated fighter for the rights of teachers". He added that his contribution in the education sector would be missed.
Nzimande said Thompson's death came as the labour movement and the country was still reeling in shock after the death of SA Municipal Workers' Union general-secretary Koena Ramatlou.
"I am really devastated by this massive loss we continue to experience as the education sector where a number of our worker leaders depart mostly due to Covid-19-related complications.
"This phenomenon has not only been affecting the education sector and the labour movement, but our society in general," he said.
Nzimande called on South Africans to rally behind President Cyril Ramaphosa's call to change behaviour to prevent and manage coronavirus outbreaks by following the health and safety protocols.
In 2018, Thompson survived an assassination attempt on his life when heavily armed men attacked him while he was travelling from Empangeni to Durban, News24 previously reported.
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