President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the passing of Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu from Covid-related complications.
Mthembu, who was admitted to 1 Military Hospital in Tshwane on January 11, tested positive for Covid-19, after getting treatment for abdominal pain.
In a statement, Ramaphosa said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss.
“Minister Mthembu was 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.”
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the Minister’s family, to his colleagues, comrades and many friends.”
Prior to taking the post of Minister in the Presidency in May 2019, Mthembu was the Chief Whip of the ANC for three years.
Soon after he was admitted to hospital, Mthembu tweeted:
I want to thank the many South Africans who have wished me a speedy recovery . As a people we must overcome Covid 19 .
— Minister Jackson Mthembu (@JacksonMthembu_) January 11, 2021
COMMENTS 14
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Eish. RIP.
13
I really wish they would stop using the word comrade to refer to other members of the ANC.
31
Its a dictator thing and the last time i checked the country is run by dictators.
11
I humbly wish to know why the word “Comrade” offends so many people especially white community. I repeat, i wish to know why, please educate me because when I looked up in the dictionary for the meaning of this word, i did not find anything offensive about it.
comrade:
-: (among men) a colleague or a fellow member of an organization.
-: a fellow soldier or member of the armed forces.
-: a fellow socialist or communist (often as a form of address).
@rsHoldings If we are a democracy there would be no use for communist or military terms for members of the government that are not part of the armed forces.
I am really sad to read this. I imagine the anc is busy planning which 50 people will attend his funeral.
49
Very sad to see familiar faces passing away. A tragedy.
He was one of the regular govt. speakers on TV when lock down started in march 2020.
Covid-19 is like a world war, a silent killer.
17
Very sad news and sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
20
Indeed, this is no time or occasion to talk about politics.
This is about life and death.
This is an immense tragedy for his family and friends.
RIP, Mr Mthembu.
This virus wreaks havoc everywhere.
11
Its very sad, he was one of the really good guys #keepsafe !
14
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8
The one that has no shame is no one but you!
This is the kind of conspiracy and foolishness comrade Mthembu was against until his passing.
What a disgrace of a human being, you should be ashamed of yourself!
8
How to limit the funeral to 50 and where to find de-alcoholised Johnny Walker Blue?
That is the ANC’S big worry.
7
is it covid this bunch r such liars , could be another cover up
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