President Jacob Zuma has extended deep-felt condolences to the Stofile family on the passing on of the Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare and former Minister of Sports and Recreation, Reverend Arnold Makhenkesi Stofile.
Reverend Stofile, a distinguished veteran of the liberation struggle, became the first Chief Whip of the ANC in Parliament in 1994 and later served as the Premier of the Eastern Cape Province and later Minister of Sport and Recreation in the third democratic administration. He also recently served as Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.
Rev Stofile is also a former Treasurer-General of the ANC. The highly regarded and respected Rev Stofile was considered as a strict disciplinarian and a fierce administrator from his days at Fort Hare, and during the fierce struggle against racism in sport at the height of the struggle for liberation.
“The nation mourns the passing of this distinguished freedom fighter and a dedicated servant of our people, for whom no task was big or small. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to his family during this painful and difficult period,” said President Zuma.
Enquiries:
Dr Bongani Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
E-mail: bongani@presidency.gov.za
