Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu. (Jan Gerber/News24)
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu died of Covid-19-related complications on Thursday, just 10 days after testing positive for the disease.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described him as an exemplary leader, an activist and life-long champion of freedom and democracy . He was a much-loved and greatly respected colleague and comrade, whose passing leaves our nation at a loss, Ramaphosa said in a statement.
Mthembu, 61, served as chief whip of the ANC in the National Assembly from 2016 to 2019.
RIP Minister Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu. He will be remembered for his friendliness and good humour. Also, he couldn t stand bullies and injustice. pic.twitter.com/TJSKRVmxrd Jan Gerber (@gerbjan) January 21, 2021