09.10.2025

Statement on the Passing of Comrade Crystal Dicks

The Trade Union Competence Centre (TUCC) mourns the passing of Comrade Crystal Dicks, former TUCC Programme Manager and lifelong activist in the South African trade union movement.

Comrade Crystal devoted more than 25 years of her life to the service of the working class. Her leadership, intellect, and commitment left an indelible mark on the labour movement. She firmly believed in and lived the principles of feminism, education, and proletarian internationalism, and through her work, she helped shape a generation of worker leaders dedicated to social justice and equality. 

During her tenure with TUCC, Comrade Crystal was pivotal in strengthening the link between trade union work and gender justice, ensuring that the struggle for workers’ rights was inseparable from the fight for women’s emancipation. Her clarity of purpose, discipline, and unwavering belief in collective power continue to inspire all who worked with her. 

We honour her tremendous contribution to advancing the rights of workers and women in South Africa and beyond. 

Her passing is a profound loss to the movement, but her legacy of solidarity, courage, and feminist leadership endures. 

The TUCC extends its deepest condolences to her daughter, family, comrades, and colleagues during this difficult time. 

Lala ngoxolo, Comrade Crystal Dicks. 

Your spirit and contribution will forever live on in the struggle for a just and equal society.

FES Trade Union Competence Centre Sub-Saharan Africa

34, Bompas Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg

+27-11 341 0270
+27-11 341 0271

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