UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis today paid tribute to the courage and determination of Nelson Mandela, who has died in South Africa.
“Nelson Mandela was a truly great man. His courage, determination and dignity in the face of extreme and harsh imprisonment was an inspiration to the world.
“His strength of character was shown time and again through the desperate years of apartheid and then in the long road to rebuilding and uniting his nation.
“Our union was proud to have stood by him and others in the movement in the tough times to help support their historic struggle for equality, justice and in ending apartheid.
“And we are proud that he was an honorary president of UNISON.
“We mourn his passing, but are grateful for his life”.
Mr Prentis observed that “thousands upon thousands in our union were active in the anti-apartheid movement, and our work, support and funding for exiled ANC leaders here in London played a crucial role in that struggle.
“One of my proudest moments was meeting Mandela on one of his many trips to London. In true, humble style his first words were to thank UNISON for the work we had done over the decades and, more crucially, the campaigning we are still doing to build a strong, fair and peaceful South Africa.
“As we send our condolences to the people of South Africa, UNISON pledges to continue our crucial work with our sisters unions in their continued battle for social justice and through our pioneering joint educational projects against HIV/Aids.”
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