President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the death of Jackson Mthembu, the Minister in the Presidency of South Africa’s government. Mthembu died of coronavirus (COVID-19), aged 62.
Mthembu, who since 2019 had been serving as the minister in the presidency, was a parliamentarian and long-serving member of the governing African National Congress (ANC).
He had worked his way up the ranks over many years and has been described as a man of integrity.
In his tribute, President Ramaphosa said the 62-year-old was “an exemplary leader” and “life-long champion of democracy”.
He said the deceased “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.”
Ten days ago, Mthembu shared the news in a tweet that he had abdominal pain and had tested positive for coronavirus. His last tweet on that same day read: “I want to thank the many South Africans who have wished me a speedy recovery. As a people, we must overcome Covid-19.”
Mthembu was the fourth cabinet member to be confirmed infected with the coronavirus.
