Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, on behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, has extended condolences to the family of struggle veteran Henry Gordon Makgothi. He passed away on Thursday after suffering a stroke. Mokonyane said Makgothi dedicated his entire life to the struggle and was a champion of the poor.
“We are saddened by his untimely death. However, we are grateful of the contribution he made to help bring about transformation and democracy in South Africa,” said Mokonyane.
Makgothi was born on 25 December 1928. He joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in 1944 while at St Peters Secondary School. He was elected as its president the following year. Makgothi tried to leave South Africa in the 1960s but was arrested in Botswana and charged with leaving the country without a passport. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison; he spent two years at Leeukop Prison and eight years in Robben Island.
On his return to South Africa, he worked in the ANC's Finance office and later served as Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces from 1997 to 1999.
He is survived by his wife Manonosi, sons Papi, Basil and Selema, and daughter Bridgett.
For more information contact:
Sipho Mokoena
Cell: 082 566 0515
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
