TRIBUTE: Patriot and unsung hero dies

Vengtas Munsamy Naicker (62), fondly known as Rajen or Spoils to his family, friends and comrades died recently.

Rajen was an activist throughout his life. His character, personality and intellect was such that he was equally at ease and genuinely connected with the ‘boys on the street corner’ or the highest political office in the land – a remarkable talent.

The archives of the Herald will reveal that some 40 years ago he was a volunteer sports journalist reporting on the then vibrant local football league raising the profile and self esteem of local teams and players. Port Shepstone United, Harding Cosmos, Young Tigers, Shepstone Town, Albersville United, Heavy Stones, Margate Aces and Madlala Fast 11 were teams that come to mind.

He was active in the Marburg Port Shepstone Residents’ Association which took up issues of rates, housing, sporting facilities and challenged discriminatory practices.

Rajen was a leading activist of the Natal Indian Congress, UDF and later the ANC. He was arrested for his participation in a campaign of that time.

He later devoted himself to work as a union organiser in Cosatu affiliates such as FAWU and SACCAWU. He became a national organiser and won significant worker rights in respect of overtime – a fight that went all the way to the then Supreme Court in Bloemfontein. The workers organised by Rajen were represented by the late Ismail Mahomed who later became the Chief Justice in democratic South Africa.

Rajen was at the coalface of building non-racialism working closely with local leaders such as Michael Nsimbi, Cyril Shezi and Themba Mbanjwa.

The ANC’s message of condolence: “Rajen Naicker belongs to that special generation of activists on whose shoulders our struggle was fought. We shall not forget.”

Post 1994 Rajen, recognising the new challenges moved from organising workers to organising employers focusing on the clothing and textile sector because of its massive job creation potential. He formed ATASA, the Apparel and Textile Association of South Africa and grew it to become the largest employer body in the sector. He repeatedly led wage negotiations and resolved disputes without the need for industrial action.

More importantly he made a significant contribution to the national Clothing and Textile Masterplan which seeks to reduce imports and boost local production thereby creating thousands of new jobs. Today major chain stores such as Woolworths and Mr Price have committed to local content targets of as much as 70%! The General Secretary of SACTWU flew from Cape Town to speak at Rajen’s funeral.

Zet Lusipho a current MP and former union provincial secretary posted the following message: “I am what I am because of comrades like Rajen who knew no race or colour and were genuine at heart”

Although he was keen to retire Rajen remained passionate about training and building the skills base in the industry so that it could be even more competitive in a very difficult world environment.

Ravi Pillay who also delivered a tribute at the funeral concluded with: ” Go well my brother, friend, comrade. You have served your country well. May the next generations find inspiration in your powerful legacy.”

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