13/11/2025
Revolutionary Greetings Leadership
It is with deep honour and heartfelt appreciation that we welcome you to this important lecture dedicated to the life and legacy of Comrade Nomvula Khellinah Shoba — a revolutionary heroine, a fearless trade unionist, and a devoted servant of the working class.
Born in 1956 in a time of great social and political upheaval, Comrade Khellinah rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in the mining sector, the labour movement, and the African National Congress. Her journey — from janitor and cook at BHP Billiton to Member of Parliament — is a testament to the power of resilience, dignity, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Her leadership in the National Union of Mineworkers and COSATU, especially as Provincial Treasurer, was marked by integrity, compassion, and a fierce dedication to workers’ rights and gender equality. She stood firm in the face of adversity, breaking barriers for women in mining and inspiring countless others to rise.
As we gather here in Emalahleni, we are reminded of the rich legacy of struggle and sacrifice that this region has contributed to our liberation. We pay tribute to ANC stalwarts from this soil — Comrade Elijah Barayi, who laid the foundation for NUM’s militant worker activism; Comrade Muntu Myeza, whose grassroots mobilisation strengthened our democratic movement; and Comrade Ruth Mompati, whose unwavering voice for women’s empowerment echoes in Comrade Khellinah’s own journey.
Comrade Khellinah Shoba embodied the spirit of these giants. She was a bridge between organised labour and the broader liberation movement, a mentor to young women, and a fierce defender of the National Democratic Revolution. Her untimely passing in 2009, shortly after being sworn into Parliament, was a profound loss — but her legacy continues to inspire.
Today, as COSATU comrades, we recommit ourselves to the values she lived by: solidarity, justice, and service to the people. Let this lecture not only honour her memory but also reignite our collective resolve to build a society that reflects the dreams she fought for.
Amandla! Awethu!