A well-known figure in Cosatu circles, Ms Patronella Sewela Ndou (35), was laid to rest at the Madombidzha graveyard outside Louis Trichardt on Saturday.

Ndou, who worked at the national house of Cosatu as a graphic designer, died on October 24 after a short illness. She was born at Tshikota and was the eldest daughter of Ms Rahab Ndou.

Speaking at Ndou´s funeral, the general secretary of Cosatu, Mr Zwelinzima Vavi, said that Ndou was a dedicated and hardworking official. “We have really lost a dedicated official and a leader who had always dedicated herself to her work,” he said. Vavi said there was a dramatic change in the Cosatu national office, following Ndou´s appointment as graphic designer and business manager of the shop steward magazine.

Ndou started her primary education at Makhado Primary. She also attended Tshikwarani Junior Primary School and completed her Grade 12 at the Jonathan Secondary School She then completed a B Comm degree at the University of Venda and an honours degree in industrial Psychology at the University of the North. She also obtained a diploma in graphic design.

Members of Cosatu, which included its national spokesperson, Patrick Craven, and deputy president, James Tjotjo, sang revolutionary songs while Ndou´s body was being lowered into the grave. Ndou is survived by her husband, mother, two sons, a brother and a sister.