Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela changed the lives of not only South Africans, but people around the world, Sadtu said in a tribute on Friday.
Mandela was a staunch believer in democracy, justice and education, SA Democratic Teachers' Union general secretary Mugwena Maluleke said in a statement.
He said Mandela's strong belief in the power of education as a changer of people's lives was captured in his quote: “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor”.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tata Madiba, our father and hero...,” said Maluleke, in conveying Sadtu's condolences to Mandela's family and friends.
Maluleke said Sadtu would remember him for his speech at the launch of the union on October 6, 1990.
“He described Sadtu as a beacon of hope that was putting to an end Bantu education and laying a firm basis for a single, democratic education system,” he said.
For Mandela's legacy, the union promised to protect the country's education system and ensure that every child had the opportunity to grow their personal development. - Sapa