Premier praises Mac Jack’s “warrior spirit and extraordinary energy”

NORTHERN Cape MEC for Education Mac Jack, who died in hospital on Wednesday afternoon after testing positive for Covid-19, was always in good spirits and was confident of a full recovery.

This is according to Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul, who announced Jack’s death at a media briefing on Wednesday evening.

Saul said that it was with great sadness that he announced the “passing of a dear comrade and colleague, Ntsikelelo MacCollen Jack”.

“He passed on earlier this evening in the hospital. He was admitted to hospital last week and he was always in good spirits and confident of a full recovery. Unfortunately he took a bad turn and was declared deceased earlier this evening,” said Saul.

He described Jack as a seasoned cadre of the movement and an outstanding public servant. “He had a warrior spirit and extraordinary energy.

“We send our condolences to his family, children, wife, colleagues, and comrades,” Saul said.

“We are in deep shock at the loss of such a remarkable and capable leader.”

Saul added that the provincial executive, the ANC and its alliance partners would meet with the whole family tomorrow, following which further details pertaining to Jack’s funeral arrangements would be released.

According to Saul, as soon as Jack tested positive, his entire family were also tested. “They are currently awaiting the results.”

Saul confirmed, however, that none of Jack’s family members had been hospitalised.

Jack, who was 55 years old, was admitted to the high care unit of Gariep Mediclinic about a week ago after testing positive for Covid-19.

He died shortly after 5pm today.