Rev Stofile, was a Minister of Sport and Recreation of the Republic of South Africa from 29 April 2004 until 2010. Prior to his appointment as a Minister he served as a Premier of Eastern Cape from 1997 until 2004. He became a Member of Parliament in 1994 served until 1996.
Academic Qualifications
Rev Stofile Matriculated at Newell High School in Port Elizabeth and he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Fort Hare 1971; a Bachelor of Theology degree from University of Fort Hare 1974; a Bachelor of Theology honours degree from University of Fort Hare 1975 and a Master's degree in Theology from University of Fort Hare 1979.
He also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Technology from Tubingen in Germany in 1981; a Master's of Arts degree from Princeton University in United States of America 1983 and he awarded D.Phil (hc) by University of Port Elizabeth in 2000.
Career/Positions/Memberships/Other Activities
Rev Stofile served as a Chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape from 1996 and a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC from 1990.
Rev Stofile began his career as a Machine Operator at Textile factory in Port Elizabeth from 1965 to 1968 and thereafter he was a part time Tutor at African Independent Churches Association Seminary between 1971 and 1972 and as a Senior lecturer in Theology and Philosophy of Religion at University of Fort Hare from 1973 to 1986.
He became a Minister of the Presbyterian Church of South Africa in 1975 and he led successful protests and prevented a planned tour by New Zealand's All Blacks in 1984. He was convicted under the then Ciskeian Internal Security Act and subsequently sentenced to 11 years imprisonment in 1987.
He continues as a Senior lecturer in Theology and Acting Head of the department at University of Trankei in 1991 and he became a Regional Secretary and member of the National Executive Committee of UDF for the period 1983 to 1986. He also served as a Sports Administrator specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Netball administration in 1965 through to 1994.
He Coached rugby specialising in junior and club rugby from 1974 until 1994. He was a member of various boards and Councils of Non Governmental Organisations, Technikons and Universities from 1991. He also served as Regional Chairperson of the ANC between 1990 and 1991.
Rev Stofile also served as a Chairperson of Area Political Committee of Military Combat Work of the ANC from 1979 until 1986 and as a member of the ANC internal Leadership core between 1990 and 1991.
He was a member of the Governing Council of the University of Fort Hare and a Director of Public Relations and Development of the University from 1992 until 1994. He was a Treasurer General of the ANC from 1995 to 1997.
He passed away on the 15th of August 2016.
Speeches, statements and advisories:
- Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa: Eulogy at funeral service of Reverend Arnold Makhenkesi Stofile, 25 August
- Eastern Cape Legislature: Reverend Makhenkesi “Bra Stof” Stofile tribute, 25 August
- Government Communications on media and transport arrangements for Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile’s funeral , 24 August
- MEC Bongiwe Mbinqo Gigaba: Memorial Service of Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile, 23 August
- Northern Cape Government holds memorial service for Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile, 23 Aug, 22 August
- Government Communications on media accreditation for official funeral of Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile, 22 August
- Parliament sends condolences to Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile’s family, 19 August
- Eastern Cape holds memorial service for former Premier Reverend Dr Makhenkesi Stofile, 22 Aug, 19 August
- President Jacob Zuma declares Special Official Funeral for Reverend Stofile
- President Jacob Zuma sends condolences on the passing of Reverend Stofile
