Education International and the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) are mourning the sudden death of Piliswa Maqokolo, a delegate who travelled to Bahía, Brazil, to take part in the 5th Education International World Women’s Conference.
Shock felt across international union community
Organizers said Piliswa arrived at the conference as a recently elected leader dedicated to promoting women’s leadership within education unions and advancing the rights of teachers and learners. Delegates and staff described her as someone whose energy and commitment left a strong impression on colleagues from around the world.
The loss prompted immediate expressions of sorrow from senior figures at Education International. In a message to delegates, President Mugwena Maluleke spoke of the movement’s grief and invoked words intended to bolster resilience among those grieving.
“To our delegates attending the EI World Women’s Conference, we express our profound shock and deep sadness at the tragic loss of our beloved Piliswa Maqokolo... As we mourn this painful loss, may we draw strength from the words of Maya Angelou: ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.’”
General Secretary David Edwards also issued condolences, underscoring the solidarity that binds the education trade union community and noting that the organisation stands with Piliswa’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
Legacy and immediate impact
Education International said Piliswa attended the conference with a clear mandate to strengthen women’s roles in union leadership and to promote justice and solidarity in education. Delegates at the event have been left shaken by the news, and the organisation described her passing as a profound loss for both her union and the broader international education movement.
Deputy General Secretary Cassandra Hallett reflected on how the unexpected death brought home the fragility of life amid the conference’s activities, noting the emotional impact on participants who had been gathered for celebration and collective work.
| Role | Message |
|---|---|
| Education International President (Mugwena Maluleke) | Expressed profound shock and urged delegates to draw strength from resilience. |
| General Secretary (David Edwards) | Offered condolences and emphasised solidarity with Piliswa’s family and colleagues. |
| Deputy General Secretary (Cassandra Hallett) | Described the impact on conference participants and reflected on life’s fragility. |
Education International noted Piliswa’s enthusiasm for bolstering women’s leadership within unions and for defending the rights of teachers and students. Her passing arrived amid what organisers described as a period of both joy and professional fulfilment for attendees of the conference.
- Where: 5th Education International World Women’s Conference, Bahía, Brazil.
- Who: Piliswa Maqokolo, delegate and newly elected leader from SADTU.
- Responses: Statements of condolence and solidarity from Education International leaders.
The organisation has not released further personal details about the circumstances of Piliswa Maqokolo’s death. Its public messages to the conference community have centred on mourning the loss and supporting delegates and the union during the immediate aftermath.
For the international education community, the incident has underscored both the personal bonds formed through union work and the role such gatherings play in fostering collective advocacy. Delegates at the conference were encouraged to remember Piliswa’s commitment to solidarity and to the advancement of women within the movement as they continue their deliberations.
Education International’s statements emphasised the union movement’s collective grief and its commitment to stand with Piliswa’s family, her fellow SADTU members and all who knew her.
