I’m still alive – Gina
Despite condolences being sent out by many parties, LIMUSA's Cedric Gina, is still very much alive.
ACTING General Secretary of the Liberated Metal Workers Union of SA (LIMUSA), Cedric Gina, is still alive and well.
Gina was reacting to a statement by the National Freedom Party (NFP) Leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, who expressed shock and sadness at the ‘untimely death of two union leaders, Sifiso Maphumulo and Cedric Gina.’
In a statement, kaMagwaza-Msibi said the news of ‘their untimely death, yet again on our roads, was shocking.
‘The two in particular Gina, have been at the forefront of the metal workers’ rights. On behalf of the NFP, and the working class in general, I wish to express my sincere condolences. To Maphumulo and Gina, we thank you for allowing them to work for those perceived as petty and are marginalised,’ reads the NFP statement.
Gina said he understood the confusion created around the car accident which occurred last Saturday, in which LIMUSA Acting President Sifiso Maphumulo died.
‘The NFP is not the only political party to send us messages of condolences. So I have no problem with their conduct.
‘My wife Nomalungelo has been receiving numerous calls from many concerned community members, family and friends, who were under the impression that I was no more.
‘The confusion centres around the fact that we were all travelling in the same car, with the late Comrade Maphumulo, when we met this accident. He was the one driving my white Toyota Fortuner. We were going to Johannesburg, preparing for our press conference which was to be held the following day (Sunday) at Cosatu House about our union.
Gina said he and two other occupants were treated for minor injuries. He described Maphumulo as one of the founders of LIMUSA who was dedicated to the course of the struggle for the working class.
‘We have come a long way with him, since the days when he was Cosatu chairman in Isiphingo area, outside Durban. He was one of those Comrades who worked tirelessly not for his own personal gains but for thousands of workers who are still exploited and paid meagre and slavery wages. He will be laid to rest this weekend at his home in Mbumbulu.’
Gina pointed out that with or without Maphumulo, the work of his union will continue as planned.
‘We are forging ahead with our preparation to launch our union on 27-28 June this year,’ he said.
