Minister of Employment and Labour to host second Annual Memorial Lecture in honour of trade union icon Elijah Barayi – guest speaker Minister Gwede Mantashe
The Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth will on Thursday, 29 May 2025, host the Second Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture, in honour of one of South Africa’s most influential labour leaders. The Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture, hosted in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), will be delivered by Minister Gwede Mantashe, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
Former trade union leader, Minister Mantashe, will reflect on Barayi’s enduring impact, alongside high-profile attendees, including Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Gauteng Premier, Mr. Panyaza Lesufi and the Mayor of Johannesburg, Mr. Dada Morero.
The inaugural Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture, held in May 2024, featured a keynote by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who paid tribute to Barayi’s leadership and contribution to the fight for workers' rights. The event was widely praised for drawing connections between Barayi’s historical role in mass labour mobilisation and the ongoing struggle for decent work and economic justice. As a voice against apartheid and a fighter for worker rights in South Africa, Barayi's legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists.
The media are invited to attend the event as follows:
Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 (Registration opens at 09:00; guests must be seated by 09:45)
Venue: Ubuntu Chambers,
Madibeng Building, 3rd Floor,
University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus
- Keynote Speaker: Minister Gwede Mantashe
- RSVP: Attendance is free; however, RSVP is required. ID/Passport must be presented for access.
- Livestream: This is a hybrid event; a livestreaming link will be provided upon request.
About the 2nd Elijah Barayi Event: https://www.uj.ac.za/event/invitation-to-the-2nd-elijah- barayi-memorial-lecture-honoring-the-legacy-of-a-workers-icon/
Media RSVPs can be forwarded to Masego Panyane on masegop@uj.ac.za or contact her on 084 067 7528 no later than midday 27 May 2025. Space is limited and therefore RSVPs are essential.
Media enquiries:
Ms. Thobeka Magcai, Ministry Spokesperson
Email: Thobeka.Magcai@labour.gov.za|
Mobile: 072 737 2205.
Mr. Teboho Thejane, Departmental Spokesperson
Email: teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za
Cell: 082 697 0694/
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