Crystal J Dicks
Obituary
Dear family, comrades and friends, you are invited to pay tribute on these pages to our recently departed and beloved mother, daughter, sister, comrade and activist, Crystal Dicks.
Crystal passed away at the home that she had lovingly and meticulously constructed for her and her daughter, Hanin, on Monday 6 October 2025.
Crystal's exceptional loyalty and love are reflected by the immense outpouring of messages from an extensive network of family, friends, colleagues and comrades. In this time of our shared grief, we cannot help but remember how Crystal adored gathering her friends and loved ones around the kitchen table, laden with delicious, and exquisitely presented meals. Serious conversations--perhaps even discourse--about the state of the world were never far behind, as was bountiful laughter. These were always on her menu.
Despite the tragedy of Crystal’s life being abruptly cut short, we are grateful to know that it was a life filled with creativity and commitment to multiple activities and causes that were often initiated, driven and sustained by her passion and strong sense of justice. However, wherever and whenever she worked with others, her contributions were underpinned by her dedication to inclusivity, and Crystal always led by example.
As a mother, Crystal parented with extraordinary intention and love. Every decision she made was guided by one question: what would be best for Hanin? Hanin was her centre, her compass and her joy. As a single mother, Crystal built not only a home but a community around her--a circle of feminist friends and parents who shared her belief that love and justice belong together. Her life was thoughtful and deliberate, shaped by care, conviction and the desire to raise a daughter who could think critically, live freely and contribute meaningfully. In recent years as Hanin came into her own, Crystal delighted in simply being with her, travelling and exploring places, near and far, sharing long conversations and great laughter, always over good food. She loved learning from and with Hanin, and was proud of the young woman that Hanin is becoming: politically conscious, curious and kind. Crystal believed that in raising Hanin with the principles and values that she believed in--and which were embodied so fiercely by her--that she was shaping a world reflective of the justice, courage and compassion by which she lived.
Along with many of her generation, Crystal's activism began as a young student when she courageously stood against the brutality of apartheid rule. From a young age she understood the need to make common cause with others, to work together in a democratic manner, despite all odds. At all times, Crystal was guided by principles founded on solidarity, love, and a vision of the future where the most marginalized might also realize their power and potential. She was a consummate internationalist and an unapologetic socialist feminist. Her support for a free Palestine was unshakeable.
Crystal's working life was extensive and included parliamentary lobbying, developing and delivering non-sectarian and innovative workers' education, countless research projects, mentoring old and new activists, and being an exemplary role model to young feminists--this particularly as she addressed the scourge of gender-based violence in the country. Throughout her 52 years of life, Crystal challenged divisive and negative sentiment and stereotypes, and above all else, developed action strategies for a world free of oppression. She was never afraid to speak truth to power, and was a committed activist every day that she was alive.
Many will remember her capacity and strength to grapple with difficult challenges whether these occurred in her personal or professional life, or in the struggle for liberation. Her sharp intellect and keen capacity to listen and learn were legendary, as were her infectious good humour and joyful, boisterous laughter. Despite upheavals and challenges, Crystal lived life to the full, creating a loving home and an abundant life for Hanin without a hint of self-congratulation. She read voraciously, loved poetry, music and film and relished wicked, good humour. Above all this, she was a fully engaged mother to Hanin and to scores of young people whom she mentored, counseled and housed.
In time, a full and comprehensive record of Crystal's personal and political achievements and inspired life must be recorded, and shared. We invite you here to begin to tell the story of Crystal by posting your memories and tributes on the Memory Wall.
Timeline
0
1979
Crystal starts in Standard One at E.C. Primary
0
1986
Crystal attends South Peninsula High
0
1987
Crystal's life of activism begins as a 13-year-old when she joins the Western Cape Students Congress (WECSCO) and other UDF structures
0
1992
Crystal enrolls for a Bachelor of Commerce at UWC
0
2004
Crystal attains a Masters of Science in Organizational Change and Development (with distinction) from Manchester University
0
2010
Hanin is born
Johannesburg
Gallery
Memory wall
Post a message or share your memories and photos.
October 20, 2025
Crystal is gone way too soon, my last text to her was that she’s turning into a “Gogo” which she replied to with “totally”. She was far from it, she was very young.
Crystal loved Hanin, her daughter, she would bring her closer even amidst hectic days at work, she lived for her. Also raised her to be conscious and independent. We love you Hanin!
Crystal was a remarkable woman, she was fierce , loyal and loving. Crystal was hilarious, we’s laugh until tears broke. I can hear her laughter. She was soo much fun, an amazing company to be with.
She loved her good coffee, good wine. She was always open to debate, share her views.
I’ll always remember her as an activist, a feminist, an educator, an intellectual, a creative, and of-course a true friend and an even better comrade.
As she fondly nicknamed me Comrade TT, I’ll hold on to that. Lastly Hugh Masekela’s stimela will never be the same.
Crystal loved Hanin, her daughter, she would bring her closer even amidst hectic days at work, she lived for her. Also raised her to be conscious and independent. We love you Hanin!
Crystal was a remarkable woman, she was fierce , loyal and loving. Crystal was hilarious, we’s laugh until tears broke. I can hear her laughter. She was soo much fun, an amazing company to be with.
She loved her good coffee, good wine. She was always open to debate, share her views.
I’ll always remember her as an activist, a feminist, an educator, an intellectual, a creative, and of-course a true friend and an even better comrade.
As she fondly nicknamed me Comrade TT, I’ll hold on to that. Lastly Hugh Masekela’s stimela will never be the same.
October 18, 2025
Zenda’s obituary at the funeral in Cape Town:
‘In my wildest dreams, I never imagined I’d be standing here saying goodbye to one of my closest and dearest friends. Crystal and I met when I was 15 and she was 14, when Thoraya recruited us into WECSCO. At the time, there were three of us — me, Crystal, and Carol-Ann — four if you count Rudi, which we did, when he behaved. We were young, idealistic, and fervently committed to the revolution. And no one was more committed than Crystal.
Even as a teenager, she had this remarkable confidence — she could run a meeting like a seasoned activist and deliver speeches at mass rallies that could inspire students to take to the streets. Those were formative years that shaped who she became — critical thinker, stubborn debater, and revolutionary who also happened to love chip rolls with atchar.
By 1993, Crystal and I went our separate ways — some of you will know why, and the rest can guess. She joined the union movement as an educator and, faced with the gender inequalities in that space, became a fierce and fearless voice for women, not just locally but globally.
Life threw her the usual mix of ups and downs, but through it all she remained passionate about her work. One of her last messages to me said how genuinely happy she was — that she was enjoying the journey to sixty. That’s how I want to remember her — content, fulfilled, still working too hard, and full of laughter.
It’s almost impossible to capture Crystal in words — even though she loved them, whether written, spoken, or sung. She wasn’t a simple person with small ideas. She was a force — unrelenting in her pursuit of justice, always ready to speak truth to power, even if it landed her in the principal’s office. In high school, she was practically a regular there — always protesting something, always just on the verge of tears, always insisting she wasn’t. Recently, I discovered she was still in the principal’s office — this time at Hanin’s school — still fighting the good fight. Some things never change.
Crystal had very high ideals about fairness and equality — and she struggled when others didn’t live up to them. You always knew exactly where you stood with her. The eyebrows didn’t lie. I learnt early in our friendship that if I said something that caused her to look at me sideways with raised eyebrows and frowning eyes, I had to either get my facts straight or backtrack immediately- I usually backtracked- I went to bed earlier.
But behind that fiery exterior, she was deeply loyal and endlessly generous. She took people under her wing, lent her car to anyone who asked, fed half of Parkview, and let the other half sleep on her floor. Strangely, whenever she came to Cape Town, she never cooked for me — and I never got to visit her beautiful home and be pampered. That’s something I’ll always regret.
We debated everything — whether Beyonce was a feminist, the ANC, socialism, whether girls should wear pink, and even which was better, mangoes or watermelon. (For the record, she was wrong about that one.) But through every argument, I knew she’d always have my back — and I hope she knew I’d always have hers.
I can’t speak about Crystal without mentioning her greatest gift to us: her daughter, Hanin. Hanin, you have been raised to be thoughtful, compassionate, and unflinchingly honest — with a critical eye that would make your mother proud. And the most amazing part is that, like her, you have no idea how extraordinary you are. Humble to a fault — just like your mom.
Crystal leaves behind a massive hole in our lives, and I honestly don’t know how we’ll fill it. It won’t be easy — because she was one of those rare, phenomenal women who truly made a difference wherever she went.
So I’d like to end with a passage from a poem I know she loved — Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. It feels like it was written for her:
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
On behalf of the family, I want to thank you for coming and celebrating the life of this phenomenal mother, friend, daughter, and activist. She will be remembered.’
‘In my wildest dreams, I never imagined I’d be standing here saying goodbye to one of my closest and dearest friends. Crystal and I met when I was 15 and she was 14, when Thoraya recruited us into WECSCO. At the time, there were three of us — me, Crystal, and Carol-Ann — four if you count Rudi, which we did, when he behaved. We were young, idealistic, and fervently committed to the revolution. And no one was more committed than Crystal.
Even as a teenager, she had this remarkable confidence — she could run a meeting like a seasoned activist and deliver speeches at mass rallies that could inspire students to take to the streets. Those were formative years that shaped who she became — critical thinker, stubborn debater, and revolutionary who also happened to love chip rolls with atchar.
By 1993, Crystal and I went our separate ways — some of you will know why, and the rest can guess. She joined the union movement as an educator and, faced with the gender inequalities in that space, became a fierce and fearless voice for women, not just locally but globally.
Life threw her the usual mix of ups and downs, but through it all she remained passionate about her work. One of her last messages to me said how genuinely happy she was — that she was enjoying the journey to sixty. That’s how I want to remember her — content, fulfilled, still working too hard, and full of laughter.
It’s almost impossible to capture Crystal in words — even though she loved them, whether written, spoken, or sung. She wasn’t a simple person with small ideas. She was a force — unrelenting in her pursuit of justice, always ready to speak truth to power, even if it landed her in the principal’s office. In high school, she was practically a regular there — always protesting something, always just on the verge of tears, always insisting she wasn’t. Recently, I discovered she was still in the principal’s office — this time at Hanin’s school — still fighting the good fight. Some things never change.
Crystal had very high ideals about fairness and equality — and she struggled when others didn’t live up to them. You always knew exactly where you stood with her. The eyebrows didn’t lie. I learnt early in our friendship that if I said something that caused her to look at me sideways with raised eyebrows and frowning eyes, I had to either get my facts straight or backtrack immediately- I usually backtracked- I went to bed earlier.
But behind that fiery exterior, she was deeply loyal and endlessly generous. She took people under her wing, lent her car to anyone who asked, fed half of Parkview, and let the other half sleep on her floor. Strangely, whenever she came to Cape Town, she never cooked for me — and I never got to visit her beautiful home and be pampered. That’s something I’ll always regret.
We debated everything — whether Beyonce was a feminist, the ANC, socialism, whether girls should wear pink, and even which was better, mangoes or watermelon. (For the record, she was wrong about that one.) But through every argument, I knew she’d always have my back — and I hope she knew I’d always have hers.
I can’t speak about Crystal without mentioning her greatest gift to us: her daughter, Hanin. Hanin, you have been raised to be thoughtful, compassionate, and unflinchingly honest — with a critical eye that would make your mother proud. And the most amazing part is that, like her, you have no idea how extraordinary you are. Humble to a fault — just like your mom.
Crystal leaves behind a massive hole in our lives, and I honestly don’t know how we’ll fill it. It won’t be easy — because she was one of those rare, phenomenal women who truly made a difference wherever she went.
So I’d like to end with a passage from a poem I know she loved — Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. It feels like it was written for her:
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
On behalf of the family, I want to thank you for coming and celebrating the life of this phenomenal mother, friend, daughter, and activist. She will be remembered.’
October 15, 2025
I got involved in high school politics in 1988 as part of my school's SRC. When I tried to broaden my horizons in that space, I got involved with the wrong crowd when I asked an activist from my native Cape Flats township - Manenberg - to direct me to WECSCO. That association did not last long because I realised that I found myself in the company of a group of well-read "armchair revolutionaries".
After I took a step back and asked the right people for guidance, I was given the checkpoint for my very first WECSCO meeting. This was late in the year of 1988. The meeting was in Wittebome and I was the first person at the checkpoint. Crystal arrived second. She was very friendly. But the most striking thing about Crystal was how eloquent she was. I was honestly mesmerised.
I came from a Coloured township where we spoke 90% Afrikaaps. I knew Coloureds who spoke English, but never ones who were both eloquent and super knowledgeable - politically. Until that day I met Crystal. The only person I knew that could expound really well on political theory was - up to that point - David Africa. I would eventually meet Eugene Paramoer who was also very well read and could expound voraciously, ie he would explain or present information in great detail and with excessive, almost insatiable, eagerness.
Another character that was very politically aware and could hold her own in a verbal sparring match was Rabia Pandy, but she spoke with a drawl so if the subject matter wasn't interesting you would lose focus quickly.
Crystal was part of this club. The people who read, understood and expounded.
So for the next year and some change, until just after the unbanning of the ANC, at every WECSCO meeting, I would be fascinated every time she opened her mouth. In my world outside politics, beautiful young Coloured women were hardly ever really bright. Academically maybe, but not in the way these WECSCO sisters were. There was Rabia, Carol-Ann and some named Zenda I think. But no one held my attention when they spoke the way Crystal did. OK maybe David Africa too, but he wasn't pretty. He was just super sharp.
Crystal Dicks was both beautiful and smart.
I did not last long in high school politics beyond the unbanning of the ANC. Two things changed everything for me. I saw comrades I looked up to and respected become bodyguards to other comrades I looked up to and respected. And I saw the Hard Livings gang start campaigning for the ANC. That's when I embarked on the entrepreneurial journey I am still on today.
But one thing that stayed with me for the next 30 years or so was this well-read, well spoken young Coloured woman with the shiny forehead that could "expound voraciously". I would measure everything I endeavour in the reading or speaking space against whether it could get me to "be like Crystal".
I think it was around 2009 that I eventually "Crystallised". I have always been a voracious consumer of reading material, but speaking was never my thing. Until I was asked to do a talk on "Social Media for the Signage Industry" at the 2009 Sign Africa Expo in Sandton. I have never looked back. My inner Crystal was unleashed at that expo and I have spoken on an innumerable amount of stages since.
I have not seen Crystal since 1990. I connected with her briefly on Linkedin around 2012. But I am grateful for her life.
Without her knowledge she has been a source of inspiration and motivation to a young boy from Manenberg who knew how to get things into his head, but not out through his mouth.
May she continue to inspire and motivate in the next dimension.
After I took a step back and asked the right people for guidance, I was given the checkpoint for my very first WECSCO meeting. This was late in the year of 1988. The meeting was in Wittebome and I was the first person at the checkpoint. Crystal arrived second. She was very friendly. But the most striking thing about Crystal was how eloquent she was. I was honestly mesmerised.
I came from a Coloured township where we spoke 90% Afrikaaps. I knew Coloureds who spoke English, but never ones who were both eloquent and super knowledgeable - politically. Until that day I met Crystal. The only person I knew that could expound really well on political theory was - up to that point - David Africa. I would eventually meet Eugene Paramoer who was also very well read and could expound voraciously, ie he would explain or present information in great detail and with excessive, almost insatiable, eagerness.
Another character that was very politically aware and could hold her own in a verbal sparring match was Rabia Pandy, but she spoke with a drawl so if the subject matter wasn't interesting you would lose focus quickly.
Crystal was part of this club. The people who read, understood and expounded.
So for the next year and some change, until just after the unbanning of the ANC, at every WECSCO meeting, I would be fascinated every time she opened her mouth. In my world outside politics, beautiful young Coloured women were hardly ever really bright. Academically maybe, but not in the way these WECSCO sisters were. There was Rabia, Carol-Ann and some named Zenda I think. But no one held my attention when they spoke the way Crystal did. OK maybe David Africa too, but he wasn't pretty. He was just super sharp.
Crystal Dicks was both beautiful and smart.
I did not last long in high school politics beyond the unbanning of the ANC. Two things changed everything for me. I saw comrades I looked up to and respected become bodyguards to other comrades I looked up to and respected. And I saw the Hard Livings gang start campaigning for the ANC. That's when I embarked on the entrepreneurial journey I am still on today.
But one thing that stayed with me for the next 30 years or so was this well-read, well spoken young Coloured woman with the shiny forehead that could "expound voraciously". I would measure everything I endeavour in the reading or speaking space against whether it could get me to "be like Crystal".
I think it was around 2009 that I eventually "Crystallised". I have always been a voracious consumer of reading material, but speaking was never my thing. Until I was asked to do a talk on "Social Media for the Signage Industry" at the 2009 Sign Africa Expo in Sandton. I have never looked back. My inner Crystal was unleashed at that expo and I have spoken on an innumerable amount of stages since.
I have not seen Crystal since 1990. I connected with her briefly on Linkedin around 2012. But I am grateful for her life.
Without her knowledge she has been a source of inspiration and motivation to a young boy from Manenberg who knew how to get things into his head, but not out through his mouth.
May she continue to inspire and motivate in the next dimension.
October 14, 2025
I met Crystal in 1996 when I started out at Cosatu in the Western Cape and Crystal worked at the Cosatu Parliamentary office and was packing up to move to Joburg,I offered to assist her with her packing and as I had just moved into my own little place she offered me a fridge with food and all I was so overwhelmed by this kind person whom I had just met but will always remember that moment and her beautiful smile and her mannerism will surely miss her very much even though I have not seen much of her over the years but have been following her life on social media love to her family and friends
October 13, 2025
Eish, dis skokkend. #ChristelDicks, is nie meer nie! 😢
Dit is al 'n rukkie sedert ek haar fisies ontmoet het.
Mag die siel van #ChristelDicks in vrede rus 💔 🙏
Dis so hartseer om in kennis gestel te word van die hartseer afsterwe van voormalige Cosatu Nasionale Opvoeder, voormalige direkteur van Geslagsgelykheid aan die Universiteit van die Witwatersrand, en onafhanklike geslags- en ontwikkelingspraktisyn, Kameraad Crystal Dicks.
Kameraad Crystal Dicks, wat ek in 2008 begin ken het toe ek 'n nasionale opvoeder by Popcru, Auckland Park, geword het, was 'n wonderlike mens.
Kameraad Chris, soos ons haar genoem het, was reguit oor haar werk oor werkersopvoeding, feminisme, proletariaat-internasionalisme en haar minagting teen kapitalisme, imperialisme, fascisme en kolonialisme.
Kameraad Crystal was lief vir sosialisme!
'n Klaslose samelewing, waar produksie vir gebruik en nie vir winste was nie!
Die meeste van haar roerende bydraes het gehandel oor magsmisbruik binne die vakbondbeweging.
Ek onthou openbare debatte oor geslagsgelykheid, werkersopleiding, erkenning van vorige kennis, en Paul Freire se populêre opvoeding lewendig.
Om ander mense deur werkersopleiding te bemagtig, was haar passie.
Geen wonder dat sy by Numsa en later by die Tshitshimani-sentrum in Kaapstad gewerk het waar sy massa-opleiding vir die werkersklasgemeenskappe in Khayelitsha, Langa, ens. nagestreef het nie.
Kameraad Crystal het vir meer as 22 jaar in vakbonde gewerk!
Tydens die Patriargie, Mag en Vroue se ervarings in politieke partye en vakbonde se aanlyn debat, was Kameraad Crystal Dicks baie uitgesproke oor die misbruik van politieke mag en die verkenning van die kruispunt tussen feminisme, kreatiwiteit en aktivisme.
Ek onthou altyd haar gegiggel terwyl sy aangebied het!
Haar kuiltjies of gegiggel was een van haar kragtige eienskappe om 'n punt oor te dra sonder om verhoudings te benadeel.
Kameraad Crystal was baie deeglik in die aanbieding van haar gedagtes, sy het die ideologiese ruimte wonderlik betwis!
Kameraadslik!
Kameraad Crystal was baie kreatief in denke.
'n Skerp debater, altyd besig om te bevraagteken hoe werkersmag as 'n bedingingsmag vir verandering gebruik kan word, en nie te smeek nie.
Sommige het haar geselsies tydens rookpouses geniet!
Kameraad Crystal het 'n revolusionêre passie vir volwasse onderwys gehad en het altyd haar oomblikke tydens aanbiedings gekoester.
Sy het werkers en winkelbeamptes toegelaat om betrokke te raak, op te los, op te los en op te los. 😃
Haar werkersopleidingsverslag se verpakking was wonderlik 👌, baie sterk op boodskappe en propaganda.
Crystal was kristalhelder oor die dinkskrum, beplanning, implementering en evaluering van werkersopleiding.
Scenario-setting was haar kragtige vermoë!
Kameraad Crystal het 'n ondersteunende leeromgewing vir werkersopleiding bevorder waar kamerade gewaardeerd gevoel het en bereid was om verworwe kennis met revolusionêre krag oor te dra!
"Wat van kritieke belang is, is nie dat ons dieselfde sienings oor alles moet hê nie, en ook nie dat ons ons moet weerhou van die uitdrukking van ons verskille nie ... eerder om verdraagsaam te wees teenoor ons verskillende sienings," het sy altyd aangevoer, veral oor politieke kwessies.
"Moet nooit bang wees om jou stem te verhef vir eerlikheid en waarheid en deernis teen ongeregtighede en leuens en gierigheid nie" - William Faulkner
Net soos haar naam Crystal, was Kameraad Crystal helder en deursigtig soos kristal!
Kameraad Crystal was baie kreatief om voorstelle te maak vir die hou van randaktiwiteite na formele onderwyssessies deur die betrokkenheid van kreatiewe kunste-rolspelers soos Mercy Pakela, Mzuniwesenziswa-akteurs om op te tree.
Baie kamerade se name verskyn wat hul rol gespeel het in die bevordering van werkersopleiding.
Kameraad Tshepho Dikapeso van die Party, Kameraad Maleka Malesela van die Party. Kameraad Bizzah van NEHAWU.
Kameraad Ntutela van FAWU.
Kameraad Johannes Motshega van DENOSA.
Kameraad Mojalefa van CEPPWAWU.
Kameraad Dinga Sikwebu by NUMSA! Kameraad Steve Faulkner by SAMWU. Kameraad Maziya by SATAWU.
Die naamlys is onvolledig......
Poësie was een van haar gunsteling aktiwiteite langs die rand van die partytjie, behalwe om wyn te drink, te gesels, te gesels en te lag.
Mag haar siel in vrede rus! Hamba Kahle Kameraad Crystal Dicks 🔮 ♥️ 🙏
Ons sal jou altyd onthou saam met ander opvoeders en vakbondlede soos Kameraad
Mike Louw, Kameraad Matserane wa Mapena, Kameraad Hlokoza, Kameraad Vuyiswa, Kameraad Mandla, en tallose ander.
Mag hulle siele in vrede rus!
Sy sal onthou word as 'n revolusionêre androgogiese praktisyn, 'n lewenslange gemeenskapsaktivis, 'n progressiewe werker-opvoeder, 'n geslagsaktivis en 'n dialektikus tot die einde toe!
Sus Crystal Lala Kahle!
Hartlike meegevoel aan die familie, familielede en alle kamerade wat haar geken het!
Dit is al 'n rukkie sedert ek haar fisies ontmoet het.
Mag die siel van #ChristelDicks in vrede rus 💔 🙏
Dis so hartseer om in kennis gestel te word van die hartseer afsterwe van voormalige Cosatu Nasionale Opvoeder, voormalige direkteur van Geslagsgelykheid aan die Universiteit van die Witwatersrand, en onafhanklike geslags- en ontwikkelingspraktisyn, Kameraad Crystal Dicks.
Kameraad Crystal Dicks, wat ek in 2008 begin ken het toe ek 'n nasionale opvoeder by Popcru, Auckland Park, geword het, was 'n wonderlike mens.
Kameraad Chris, soos ons haar genoem het, was reguit oor haar werk oor werkersopvoeding, feminisme, proletariaat-internasionalisme en haar minagting teen kapitalisme, imperialisme, fascisme en kolonialisme.
Kameraad Crystal was lief vir sosialisme!
'n Klaslose samelewing, waar produksie vir gebruik en nie vir winste was nie!
Die meeste van haar roerende bydraes het gehandel oor magsmisbruik binne die vakbondbeweging.
Ek onthou openbare debatte oor geslagsgelykheid, werkersopleiding, erkenning van vorige kennis, en Paul Freire se populêre opvoeding lewendig.
Om ander mense deur werkersopleiding te bemagtig, was haar passie.
Geen wonder dat sy by Numsa en later by die Tshitshimani-sentrum in Kaapstad gewerk het waar sy massa-opleiding vir die werkersklasgemeenskappe in Khayelitsha, Langa, ens. nagestreef het nie.
Kameraad Crystal het vir meer as 22 jaar in vakbonde gewerk!
Tydens die Patriargie, Mag en Vroue se ervarings in politieke partye en vakbonde se aanlyn debat, was Kameraad Crystal Dicks baie uitgesproke oor die misbruik van politieke mag en die verkenning van die kruispunt tussen feminisme, kreatiwiteit en aktivisme.
Ek onthou altyd haar gegiggel terwyl sy aangebied het!
Haar kuiltjies of gegiggel was een van haar kragtige eienskappe om 'n punt oor te dra sonder om verhoudings te benadeel.
Kameraad Crystal was baie deeglik in die aanbieding van haar gedagtes, sy het die ideologiese ruimte wonderlik betwis!
Kameraadslik!
Kameraad Crystal was baie kreatief in denke.
'n Skerp debater, altyd besig om te bevraagteken hoe werkersmag as 'n bedingingsmag vir verandering gebruik kan word, en nie te smeek nie.
Sommige het haar geselsies tydens rookpouses geniet!
Kameraad Crystal het 'n revolusionêre passie vir volwasse onderwys gehad en het altyd haar oomblikke tydens aanbiedings gekoester.
Sy het werkers en winkelbeamptes toegelaat om betrokke te raak, op te los, op te los en op te los. 😃
Haar werkersopleidingsverslag se verpakking was wonderlik 👌, baie sterk op boodskappe en propaganda.
Crystal was kristalhelder oor die dinkskrum, beplanning, implementering en evaluering van werkersopleiding.
Scenario-setting was haar kragtige vermoë!
Kameraad Crystal het 'n ondersteunende leeromgewing vir werkersopleiding bevorder waar kamerade gewaardeerd gevoel het en bereid was om verworwe kennis met revolusionêre krag oor te dra!
"Wat van kritieke belang is, is nie dat ons dieselfde sienings oor alles moet hê nie, en ook nie dat ons ons moet weerhou van die uitdrukking van ons verskille nie ... eerder om verdraagsaam te wees teenoor ons verskillende sienings," het sy altyd aangevoer, veral oor politieke kwessies.
"Moet nooit bang wees om jou stem te verhef vir eerlikheid en waarheid en deernis teen ongeregtighede en leuens en gierigheid nie" - William Faulkner
Net soos haar naam Crystal, was Kameraad Crystal helder en deursigtig soos kristal!
Kameraad Crystal was baie kreatief om voorstelle te maak vir die hou van randaktiwiteite na formele onderwyssessies deur die betrokkenheid van kreatiewe kunste-rolspelers soos Mercy Pakela, Mzuniwesenziswa-akteurs om op te tree.
Baie kamerade se name verskyn wat hul rol gespeel het in die bevordering van werkersopleiding.
Kameraad Tshepho Dikapeso van die Party, Kameraad Maleka Malesela van die Party. Kameraad Bizzah van NEHAWU.
Kameraad Ntutela van FAWU.
Kameraad Johannes Motshega van DENOSA.
Kameraad Mojalefa van CEPPWAWU.
Kameraad Dinga Sikwebu by NUMSA! Kameraad Steve Faulkner by SAMWU. Kameraad Maziya by SATAWU.
Die naamlys is onvolledig......
Poësie was een van haar gunsteling aktiwiteite langs die rand van die partytjie, behalwe om wyn te drink, te gesels, te gesels en te lag.
Mag haar siel in vrede rus! Hamba Kahle Kameraad Crystal Dicks 🔮 ♥️ 🙏
Ons sal jou altyd onthou saam met ander opvoeders en vakbondlede soos Kameraad
Mike Louw, Kameraad Matserane wa Mapena, Kameraad Hlokoza, Kameraad Vuyiswa, Kameraad Mandla, en tallose ander.
Mag hulle siele in vrede rus!
Sy sal onthou word as 'n revolusionêre androgogiese praktisyn, 'n lewenslange gemeenskapsaktivis, 'n progressiewe werker-opvoeder, 'n geslagsaktivis en 'n dialektikus tot die einde toe!
Sus Crystal Lala Kahle!
Hartlike meegevoel aan die familie, familielede en alle kamerade wat haar geken het!
October 13, 2025
Eish, it's shocking. #ChristelDicks, is no more! 😢
It has been a while since I physically met her.
May the soul of #ChristelDicks rest in peace 💔 🙏
It's so sad to have been alerted about the sad passing of former Cosatu National Educator, former director of Gender Equity at the University of the Witwatersrand, and independent gender and development practitioner, Comrade Crystal Dicks.
Comrade Crystal Dicks whom I started to know in 2008 when I became a national educator at Popcru, Auckland Park, was an amazing human being.
Comrade Chris as we used to call her was forthright on her work on worker education, feminism, proletariat internationalism and her disdain against capitalism, imperialism, fascism and colonialism.
Comrade Crystal loved Socialism!
A classless society, where production was for use and not profits!
Most of her moving contributions were on abuse of power within the trade union movement.
I vividly recall public debates on gender equality, worker education, recognition of prior knowledge, and Paul Freire's popular education.
Empowering other people through worker education was her passion.
No wonder she worked at Numsa and later at Tshitshimani Centre in Cape Town where she pursued mass education for the working-class communities in Khayelitsha, Langa, et al.
Comrade Crystal worked for more than 22 years in trade unions!
During the Patriarchy, Power and Women's experiences in political parties and trade unions online debate,
Comrade Crystal Dicks was very vocal about abuse of political power and exploring the intersection between feminism, creativity and activism.
I always remember her chuckles while presenting!
Her dimpled smiles or giggles was one of her powerful attributes in delivering a point without harming relationships.
Comrade Crystal was very thorough in presenting her thoughts, she contested the ideological space awesomely!
Comradely!
Comrade Crystal was very creative in thought.
A shwred debator, always questioning how worker power may utilized as a bargaining power for change, and not begging.
Some enjoyed her chats during smoking breaks!
Comrade Crystal had revolutionary passion for adult education and always cherished her moments while presenting. She allowed workers and shopstewards to engage, resolve, resolve and resolve. 😃
Her worker education report packaging was awesome 👌, very strong on messaging and propaganda.
Crystal was crystal clear on worker education brainstorming, planning, implementing and evaluating.
Scenario setting was her powerful capability!
Comrade Crystal fostered a supportive worker education learning environment where comrades felt valued and were prepared to cascade acquired knowledge with revolutionary vigor!
"What is critical is not that we should have the same views on everything, nor that we should refrain from expressing our differences......rather being tolerant of our different views", she argued always especially on political issues.
"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustices and lying and greed" - William Faulkner
Just like her name Crystal, Comrade Crystal was clear and transparent like crystal!
Comrade Crystal was very creative to put suggestions for having fringe activities after formal education sessions through involvement of creative arts roleplayers such as Mercy Pakela, Mzuniwesenziswa actors to perform.
Many comrade's names pop up who played their part in promoting worker education.
Comrade Tshepho Dikapeso from the Party, Comrade Maleka Malesela from the Party. Comrade Bizzah from NEHAWU.
Comrade Ntutela from FAWU.
Comrade Johannes Motshega from DENOSA.
Comrade Mojalefa from CEPPWAWU.
Comrade Dinga Sikwebu at NUMSA!
Comrade Steve Faulkner at SAMWU.
Comrade Maziya at SATAWU.
The namelist is incomplete......
Poetry was one of her favourite fringe activities besides sipping some wines, talking, talking and laughting.
May her soul rest in peace! Hamba Kahle Comrade Crystal Dicks 🔮 ♥️ 🙏
We will always remember you with other educators and trade unionists such as Comrade Mike Louw, Comrade Matserane wa Mapena, Comrade Hlokoza, Comrade Vuyiswa, Comrade Mandla, and countless others.
May their souls rest in peace!
She will be remembered as a revolutionary androgogical Practitioner, a lifelong community activist, a progressive worker Educator, a Gender Activist, and a Dialectician to the End!
Sis Crystal Lala Kahle!
Heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and all comrades who knew her!
------------------------
Eish, dis skokkend. #ChristelDicks, is nie meer nie! 😢
Dit is al 'n rukkie sedert ek haar fisies ontmoet het.
Mag die siel van #ChristelDicks in vrede rus 💔 🙏
Dis so hartseer om in kennis gestel te word van die hartseer afsterwe van voormalige Cosatu Nasionale Opvoeder, voormalige direkteur van Geslagsgelykheid aan die Universiteit van die Witwatersrand, en onafhanklike geslags- en ontwikkelingspraktisyn, Kameraad Crystal Dicks.
Kameraad Crystal Dicks, wat ek in 2008 begin ken het toe ek 'n nasionale opvoeder by Popcru, Auckland Park, geword het, was 'n wonderlike mens.
Kameraad Chris, soos ons haar genoem het, was reguit oor haar werk oor werkersopvoeding, feminisme, proletariaat-internasionalisme en haar minagting teen kapitalisme, imperialisme, fascisme en kolonialisme.
Kameraad Crystal was lief vir sosialisme!
'n Klaslose samelewing, waar produksie vir gebruik en nie vir winste was nie!
Die meeste van haar roerende bydraes het gehandel oor magsmisbruik binne die vakbondbeweging.
Ek onthou openbare debatte oor geslagsgelykheid, werkersopleiding, erkenning van vorige kennis, en Paul Freire se populêre opvoeding lewendig.
Om ander mense deur werkersopleiding te bemagtig, was haar passie.
Geen wonder dat sy by Numsa en later by die Tshitshimani-sentrum in Kaapstad gewerk het waar sy massa-opleiding vir die werkersklasgemeenskappe in Khayelitsha, Langa, ens. nagestreef het nie.
Kameraad Crystal het vir meer as 22 jaar in vakbonde gewerk!
Tydens die Patriargie, Mag en Vroue se ervarings in politieke partye en vakbonde se aanlyn debat, was Kameraad Crystal Dicks baie uitgesproke oor die misbruik van politieke mag en die verkenning van die kruispunt tussen feminisme, kreatiwiteit en aktivisme.
Ek onthou altyd haar gegiggel terwyl sy aangebied het!
Haar kuiltjies of gegiggel
It has been a while since I physically met her.
May the soul of #ChristelDicks rest in peace 💔 🙏
It's so sad to have been alerted about the sad passing of former Cosatu National Educator, former director of Gender Equity at the University of the Witwatersrand, and independent gender and development practitioner, Comrade Crystal Dicks.
Comrade Crystal Dicks whom I started to know in 2008 when I became a national educator at Popcru, Auckland Park, was an amazing human being.
Comrade Chris as we used to call her was forthright on her work on worker education, feminism, proletariat internationalism and her disdain against capitalism, imperialism, fascism and colonialism.
Comrade Crystal loved Socialism!
A classless society, where production was for use and not profits!
Most of her moving contributions were on abuse of power within the trade union movement.
I vividly recall public debates on gender equality, worker education, recognition of prior knowledge, and Paul Freire's popular education.
Empowering other people through worker education was her passion.
No wonder she worked at Numsa and later at Tshitshimani Centre in Cape Town where she pursued mass education for the working-class communities in Khayelitsha, Langa, et al.
Comrade Crystal worked for more than 22 years in trade unions!
During the Patriarchy, Power and Women's experiences in political parties and trade unions online debate,
Comrade Crystal Dicks was very vocal about abuse of political power and exploring the intersection between feminism, creativity and activism.
I always remember her chuckles while presenting!
Her dimpled smiles or giggles was one of her powerful attributes in delivering a point without harming relationships.
Comrade Crystal was very thorough in presenting her thoughts, she contested the ideological space awesomely!
Comradely!
Comrade Crystal was very creative in thought.
A shwred debator, always questioning how worker power may utilized as a bargaining power for change, and not begging.
Some enjoyed her chats during smoking breaks!
Comrade Crystal had revolutionary passion for adult education and always cherished her moments while presenting. She allowed workers and shopstewards to engage, resolve, resolve and resolve. 😃
Her worker education report packaging was awesome 👌, very strong on messaging and propaganda.
Crystal was crystal clear on worker education brainstorming, planning, implementing and evaluating.
Scenario setting was her powerful capability!
Comrade Crystal fostered a supportive worker education learning environment where comrades felt valued and were prepared to cascade acquired knowledge with revolutionary vigor!
"What is critical is not that we should have the same views on everything, nor that we should refrain from expressing our differences......rather being tolerant of our different views", she argued always especially on political issues.
"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustices and lying and greed" - William Faulkner
Just like her name Crystal, Comrade Crystal was clear and transparent like crystal!
Comrade Crystal was very creative to put suggestions for having fringe activities after formal education sessions through involvement of creative arts roleplayers such as Mercy Pakela, Mzuniwesenziswa actors to perform.
Many comrade's names pop up who played their part in promoting worker education.
Comrade Tshepho Dikapeso from the Party, Comrade Maleka Malesela from the Party. Comrade Bizzah from NEHAWU.
Comrade Ntutela from FAWU.
Comrade Johannes Motshega from DENOSA.
Comrade Mojalefa from CEPPWAWU.
Comrade Dinga Sikwebu at NUMSA!
Comrade Steve Faulkner at SAMWU.
Comrade Maziya at SATAWU.
The namelist is incomplete......
Poetry was one of her favourite fringe activities besides sipping some wines, talking, talking and laughting.
May her soul rest in peace! Hamba Kahle Comrade Crystal Dicks 🔮 ♥️ 🙏
We will always remember you with other educators and trade unionists such as Comrade Mike Louw, Comrade Matserane wa Mapena, Comrade Hlokoza, Comrade Vuyiswa, Comrade Mandla, and countless others.
May their souls rest in peace!
She will be remembered as a revolutionary androgogical Practitioner, a lifelong community activist, a progressive worker Educator, a Gender Activist, and a Dialectician to the End!
Sis Crystal Lala Kahle!
Heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and all comrades who knew her!
------------------------
Eish, dis skokkend. #ChristelDicks, is nie meer nie! 😢
Dit is al 'n rukkie sedert ek haar fisies ontmoet het.
Mag die siel van #ChristelDicks in vrede rus 💔 🙏
Dis so hartseer om in kennis gestel te word van die hartseer afsterwe van voormalige Cosatu Nasionale Opvoeder, voormalige direkteur van Geslagsgelykheid aan die Universiteit van die Witwatersrand, en onafhanklike geslags- en ontwikkelingspraktisyn, Kameraad Crystal Dicks.
Kameraad Crystal Dicks, wat ek in 2008 begin ken het toe ek 'n nasionale opvoeder by Popcru, Auckland Park, geword het, was 'n wonderlike mens.
Kameraad Chris, soos ons haar genoem het, was reguit oor haar werk oor werkersopvoeding, feminisme, proletariaat-internasionalisme en haar minagting teen kapitalisme, imperialisme, fascisme en kolonialisme.
Kameraad Crystal was lief vir sosialisme!
'n Klaslose samelewing, waar produksie vir gebruik en nie vir winste was nie!
Die meeste van haar roerende bydraes het gehandel oor magsmisbruik binne die vakbondbeweging.
Ek onthou openbare debatte oor geslagsgelykheid, werkersopleiding, erkenning van vorige kennis, en Paul Freire se populêre opvoeding lewendig.
Om ander mense deur werkersopleiding te bemagtig, was haar passie.
Geen wonder dat sy by Numsa en later by die Tshitshimani-sentrum in Kaapstad gewerk het waar sy massa-opleiding vir die werkersklasgemeenskappe in Khayelitsha, Langa, ens. nagestreef het nie.
Kameraad Crystal het vir meer as 22 jaar in vakbonde gewerk!
Tydens die Patriargie, Mag en Vroue se ervarings in politieke partye en vakbonde se aanlyn debat, was Kameraad Crystal Dicks baie uitgesproke oor die misbruik van politieke mag en die verkenning van die kruispunt tussen feminisme, kreatiwiteit en aktivisme.
Ek onthou altyd haar gegiggel terwyl sy aangebied het!
Haar kuiltjies of gegiggel
October 12, 2025
I will never forget your love, support, and friendship Crystal. Thank you for standing with me through a difficult time, for the constancy of your love and friendship, for making me laugh, think and dream with you. The way you spoke truth to power will always stay with me. I will keep you close to my heart my friend.
October 12, 2025
I send my condolences to Hanin and the whole family, my heart is with you all. May her soul rest in peace. Love you all
October 11, 2025
Thank you Crystal for the way you walked through the world and all the love you leave behind. Thank you for making the world a better place and especially for your passionate championing of Womens rights. Thank you for speaking your truth with so much conviction. You leave many sisters behind who will continue your walk to making the world a better place for Hanin and all our beautiful daughters.. you will be sadly missed - rest in peace dear sister. Sending deep condolences to the Dicks family. Xxx
Family tree
Richard Dicks
Mercia Dicks
Rudi Dicks
Dee Dicks
Rudi Dicks
Dee Dicks
Crystal Dicks
Favorites
Crystal was a news junkie, book clubber, creative (at times serious writer), foodie and occasional knitter.
Crystal's favourite fruit
Mango
Donate
A BackaBuddy page has been set up to assist Hanin. We would be deeply grateful for any contributions to be made here:
www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/love-and-care-for-hanin
(Please find the QR code in the Gallery above).
Those contributing from outside of South Africa can pay securely with Visa, Mastercard or PayPal.
www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/love-and-care-for-hanin
(Please find the QR code in the Gallery above).
Those contributing from outside of South Africa can pay securely with Visa, Mastercard or PayPal.
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