Nita Sanghera – R.I.P.

Published: 17th January, 2020

We are shocked and saddened to learned of the death yesterday of UCU’s president-elect Nita Sanghera. Below we repost the words of two of Nita’s close friends and comrades, Rhiannon Lockley and Dave Muritu. For most of us at Leicester UCU, we knew Nita as a result of the generous support she offered us during our various local disputes with our university’s leadership over the past few years: Nita supported us publicly and also, as important, offered us valuable private advice and encouragement.

We of course send our condolences to Nita’s family and other loved ones.

We are devastated to report that our lovely, gritty, generous, indomitable sister and comrade passed away peacefully this afternoon after battling illness over a number of months. Nita was president elect of UCU, to be our first black president, and a much loved friend, comrade, wife, and mother to three outstanding daughters. She was our much loved friend

Nita was unique in her toughness: she would tolerate no bullshit and was unafraid to stand her ground against any attempt to hide from the battles that need to be fought.

Nita was unique in her generosity. She would welcome all into her home and her beloved family. She was a special auntie to our children who would always find the time to check on others and remembered all the intricacies of her friends lives. She was a much loved Access lecturer who would sit for hours chatting to her students mixing her kindness with her realism as a guide and mentor.

Always sharply turned out, vivacious and striking, Nita was a fierce, bright working class warrior who fought hard for education, for socialism and justice.

We will update with details on how to honour her memory when we know them. If you would like to send your love and respects to her family who have been to the last courageous in supporting her, ucu left will shortly arrange a condolences page or please email rhiannonlockley@hotmail.co.uk

Rest in power Nita.

Rhiannon and Dave