The Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu has died from Covid-19 complications.
The news was announced on Twitter by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The 62-year-old Mthembu tested positive for Covid-19 on 11 January.
The Minister was at the Military Hospital in Tshwane to get medical attention for abdominal pain when he underwent tests, including a Covid-19 test which came out positive.
President Ramaphosa expressed his deep sorrow and shock following the news of his passing.
"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," he said.
