Jackson Mthembu. File picture: Siyabulela Duda
THE LATE Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, will be honoured with an Official Funeral Category 1 at his home in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, on Sunday.
Mthembu died on Thursday from Covid-19-related complications.
A memorial service is expected to be held on Saturday at 1pm at the GCIS Auditorium in Hatfield, Tshwane.
The memorial service and official funeral will take place in compliance with the applicable Disaster Management Act regulations.
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul, on behalf of the provincial administration and the people of the Northern Cape, extended his sincere condolences to Mthembu’s wife, family, friends and comrades in the ANA and members of the Cabinet.
He described Mthembu as a seasoned and grounded leader, both at a political and administrative level.
Mthembu occupied several strategic and leadership roles in the democratic South Africa and served the ANC as its spokesperson from 1995 to 1997 and from 2009 to 2014.
He has been a member of the ANC national executive committee since 2007 and served as the ANC’s chief whip in the National Assembly from 2016 to 2019 until he was appointed as Minister in the Presidency after the 2019 general elections.
The ANC applauded his contribution to the liberation struggle as an anti-apartheid activist, student leader and unionist, for which he was subjected to harassment and detention by the apartheid security forces.
He contributed to the development of South Africa’s democratic Constitution and served as an MEC in Mpumalanga.
Saul said Mthembu’s commitment and diligence in serving the people will forever be a guide and inspiration for those who vowed to serve all.
“Mthembu made a remarkable contribution to the development of our democracy and he contributed selflessly to the community at large in his capacity as an activist and member of government,” said Saul.
“His contribution to improving the lives of the people and his contribution to the fight against Covid-19 will be remembered and will form part of the rich legacy that he leaves behind.
“As the family grieves, may they be comforted by the knowledge that in doing so they are honouring the memory of an activist and leader who dedicated his life to the service of the people.”