The Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) mourns the passing of comrade Basil John Snayer. We wish his family, friends and comrades well during this painful period of mourning.
Comrade Basil was a teacher by profession. Activism was in his DNA.
The late comrade Basil was an active Leader in the former Western Cape Teachers’ Union (WECTU) and played an active role in the unity talk leading to the formation of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU).
He was an active member of SADTU and the African National Congress’ Athlone Branches. He was elected as the Deputy Provincial Chairperson of SADTU Western Cape and later the Provincial Chairperson of the Union in the Province.
He was a member of the SADTU’s National Executive Committee, its highest decision-making structure.
During his term he was instrumental in capacity building of Branches in dispute resolution and organisational culture and traditions.
Comrade Basil testified at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the atrocities of the apartheid government in education as well as the murder of ANC and its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe’s cadre Anton Francsh.
He testified that he saw a sergeant throwing a hand grenade into the house. This was called the battle of Athlone of which comrade Basil was a witness.
Basil John Snayer was active in the African National Congress in the Western Cape, mobilising for the building of structures in the Province, especially on the Cape Flats and surrounding townships. His activities were most felt in the Athlone Area where he mentored generations of activists.
Basil was the uncle of Robert Waterwitch, who with Coline Williams, as young members of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) died in 1989 when a limpet mine exploded prematurely. Basil relayed his life story to the Community on behalf of the family.
His role in political education explaining the role of the African National Congress amongst the Youth and Teachers was invaluable.
He was a committed member of the ANC before its unbanning, through the democratic breakthrough of 1994 when the new Government was formed by President Nelson Mandela and beyond.
Comrade Basil served as a member of the COSATU Provincial Executive Committee in the Western Cape, representing SADTU. He was dedicated to the Federation, mobilizing for its campaigns and programmes. His influence sharpened the strategic trajectory of the Federation in the province and nationally.
Basil was a founder member of the South African Council of Educators serving as a Council Member and later as the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk committee for a number of years.
Comrade Snayer was the principal of Garlandale Secondary School and advanced progressive and critical thinking with the staff of the school. It became the home of SADTU with the school opening its doors to the union.
Basil Snayer was the former Chairperson of the Provincial Education Labour Relations Council in the Western Cape.
As a talented musician his skills as a band member was always available to all progressive forces to mobilise our people through music and dance.
He led with the utmost humility and dignity. He is saluted as a true revolutionary leader of education workers and learners in the Western Cape.
Basil played a strategic role in the fight for liberation and transformation.
Hamba Kahle to an unsung hero.
Hamba kahle, qawe lama qawe. Rus in vrede kameraad.
Issued by COSATU Western Cape.
For questions, please call:
Malvern De Bruyn on 060 977 9027
Motlatsi Tsubane on 074 482 6180
