RECALLING HISTORY - M S STANLEY – CLOTHING INDUSTRY ACTIVIST

 M S STANLEY ELECTED GENERAL SECRETARY OF GARMENT WORKERS UNION OF NATAL IN 1975

 

Researching through my files of stories I had written while working at the Daily News between 1973 and 1980 I came across another item which is of historical importance.

The story was published on February 11 1975 under the headline: “Former clothing factory machinist elected secretary of Garment Workers’ Union”.

The story read:

A former clothing factory machinist, Mr M S Stanley, has been appointed general secretary of the 30 000-strong Garment Workers’ Union of Natal.

He is the union’s second appointment in six months since the resignation of Mrs Harriet Bolton in October.

Mr Stanley (58), who has succeeded Mr H C Webber, is the first black to be chosen to this position in the 41-year history of the union.

Mr Stanley has served the Garment Workers’ Union  since its formation in 1934 by the late Mr Jimmy Bolton, husband of the veteran trade unionist Mrs Harriet Bolton.

Mrs Bolton left for England recently after serving the union for 10 years.

While still a machinist, Mr Stanley was appointed a shop steward in 1934. He served in this capacity for 20 years, on the executive council of the union for 18 years and as vice-president for two years.

He was also a trustee of the union from 1946 to 1951 and appointed organiser in 1958. He served in this position until his appointment last week as general secretary and treasurer.

During his term as organiser, Mr Stanley represented the union on the Industrial Council for the Clothing Industry for more than 25 years. He was a member of the Sick Fund Management Committee of the Industrial Council and negotiated wage agreements as a representative of the union with the Natal Clothing Manufacturers on several occasions. Ends – Daily News Reporter Feb 11 1975

 

FOOTNOTE: Mr Stanley, a descendant of indentured labourers, would have turned 104 this year. It would be interesting to know about his early life from his family members. Anyone with information about Mr Stanley should contact the writer on: subrygovender@gmail.com or what’s up 082 376 9053.