Condolences are being shared following the passing of African National Congress (ANC) stalwart Dennis Neer on Friday at the age of 76, after a prolonged illness.
Neer, a former Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety, was deeply involved in the ANC’s underground activities during the struggle for democracy. He also served as the provincial secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
His political journey began during his high school years at Cowan High School in New Brighton and Langa High School in Cape Town. His commitment to the cause led to his brutal torture by the apartheid regime’s Special Branch.
Neer was acknowledged for his leadership role, particularly during the unity talks within the trade union movement in 1981, which paved the way for his position as COSATU’s provincial secretary. His contributions to the fight for democracy and workers’ rights remain significant.
Neer was recognised for his role as one of the leaders who were consulted when unity talks were initiated within the trade union movement in 1981, which led him to become a provincial secretary of COSATU.
He was also elected as one of the first MPLs in the Eastern Cape legislature in 1994.
Neer was popularly known as “Oom Dan”.
Brother Peter Neer says, “He was a family man and we had looked up to him. We are hoping that the current and future generations can take so much from him and keep his legacy going forward.”
The ANC and its affiliate, the South African Communist Party (SACP) say his death is a great loss to South Africa.
ANC stalwart Mzukisi Mpahlwa says, “He was a good comrade to us, a true leader, he helped us a lot in the movement, we will forever miss him, he has developed a good reputation not only within ANC even opposition parties.”
SACP stalwart Vuyani “Mbona” Limba says, “He was identified as a true member of the trade union. He was recruited and served probation for more than 6 months. We are worried about his passing but we are saying he has tried his best to fight for democracy.”
Neer leaves behind his wife and three children. He will be laid to rest on Saturday.
