President Cyril Ramaphosa has lamented the loss of Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, who was laid to rest on Sunday after succumbing to Covid19-related complications.
Delivering the eulogy at the funeral service, declared an Official Category 1 funeral, President Ramaphosa said during the pandemic Mthembu carried the government’s message of compassion, solidarity, and unity.
“And now the stroke of death has taken the very one who has been our citadel, our rock, and our tower of strength at this dreadful moment in our country’s history.”
Amidst this great upheaval, when our people are so fearful of the future, they have looked to leaders like Jackson Mthembu for reassurance and for certainty,” he said.
Ramaphosa said Minister Mthembu was at the forefront of “our national effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic; the very pandemic that has now claimed him.”
He said Mthembu’s passing has left a huge void in our government, in the movement to which he dedicated his life and in the country of which he was such a proud citizen.
“Mvelase was among those infinitely rare individuals in our politically-charged society. He was admired and respected across party lines,” the President said.
"I have lost not just a dependable colleague and a comrade. I have lost a dear friend, and it is a loss I feel most keenly."
