By Phindi Maduna
Brand South Africa learned with devastation and disbelief about the passing of Minister in the Presidency and Member of Parliament, Jackson Mphikwa Mthembu on 21 January 2021 (aged 62). In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated Minister Mthembu succumbed to COVID-related complications.
Emalahleni-born Mthembu realised his calling to be an activist for social justice when he was a young student in the 1970s. He dedicated his life to the fight against apartheid in South Africa and was a steadfast advocate for freedom and democracy ever since.
Mthembu has held various leadership roles in the public sector and civil society organisations over the years. He was appointed as the Minister in the Presidency after the 2019 national and general election. Following the announcement, Brand South Africa welcomed a further announcement that the entity, as the Nation Brand custodian, would be reporting to his office.
On Thursday the presidency confirmed the passing of Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, who was 62.
In his statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce that Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away earlier today from Covid-related complications.”
His passing comes after presidency spokesperson Phumla Williams announced on January 11 that Mthembu was the fourth member of the executive to test positive for Covid-19.
According to Williams, Mthembu had taken a Covid-19 test earlier that same day after showing some symptoms. “As per the Covid-19 regulations, Minister Mthembu and those who have come in contact with him will immediately self-quarantine.”
Death of Jackson Mthembu a loss for all South Africans, says Parliament, United Nations
By IOL Reporter
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Johannesburg - The death of Minister Jackson Mthembu was a loss not only to his family, but to the people of South Africa, said Boyce Maneli, the chairperson of the communications portfolio committee.
Mthembu, who was a minister in the presidency, died on Thursday due to complications related to Covid-19. He had tested positive for the virus about a fortnight ago, on January 11.
Maneli said Mthembu’s untimely passing was a loss for not only his family and friends, but to the Cabinet and employees of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
He was chief whip of the ANC from 2016 to May 2019.
Parties and MPs lauded him for his integrity and service to the country.
The death of Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, shocked and saddened MPs from both sides of the House.
Mthembu, chief whip of the ANC in the National Assembly from 2016 to 2019, died from Covid-19 related complications on Thursday, after testing positive for the virus. In the passing of Mr Mthembu, South Africa has lost a passionate and fiercely vocal freedom fighter. He was a patriotic South African and a strong defender of constitutional democracy. He was a dependable reservoir of knowledge and wisdom, particularly on the workings of the legislative arm of the state, which he served for years at provincial and national levels in various capacities, said Parliament s presiding officers, Speaker of the National Assembly Thandi Modise and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Amos Masondo.