The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala on behalf of the provincial government coveys with a with a deep sense of sorrow and sadness, heartfelt condolences to the Mthembu family, His Excellency, the President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa, following the news of the untimely demise of Minister in The Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu.
The news has been received with great shock by the KZN Executive Council and the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Minister Mthembu has been one of the generals at the forefront of the deadly enemy that is Covid-19. He led a formidable communication and information response to the pandemic. In the absence of any vaccination, knowledge and information has been the only weapon to defend the citizens against the virus and Minister Mthembu created an effective communication system and led it with vigour, dedication and discipline.
Dr Yusuf Dadoo the liberation stalwart of the South African Indian Congress and the South African Communist Party, once remarked that “in the life of every nation, there arise men (and women) who leave an indelible and eternal stamp on the history of their peoples: these are makers of history and when they pass they leave a vision of a new and better life and the tools to win and build it”.
This is an apt description of the contribution made by Minster Cde. Jackson Mthembu to the reconstruction and development of our nation. He is one of those leaders who came to understand the mission of his generation and made an indelible contribution towards fulfilling it. He did it in fighting for liberation, he did it as a patriot and humble servant of the people of South Africa. Through his actions he crafted an immortal legacy that will outlive his untimely demise.
Using virtual media briefings, Mthembu effectively disseminated information across the width and breadth of the country, arming the country’s citizens with vital information pertaining to the novel virus.
Minister Mthembu was deployed by the President to work in the Harry Gwala District, and implement the District Development Model. This is a task he executed with military precision, he was always there on the ground working with the District Champion MEC Sipho Hlomuka and Mayor Zamo Nxumalo to turnaround the fortunes of the community.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, colleagues and the ANC, the movement he served with discipline and selflessness.
His passing has robbed the nation once again of a dedicated hero of our struggle for liberation and a frontline soldier in defence of the nation against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The outpouring of messages from all corners of the country and continent attest to the fact that Minister Mthembu was much-loved and a greatly respected colleague, compatriot and comrade.
Minister Mthembu’s passing has dealt is a double grief and tragedy for KwaZulu-Natal, as it occurred on the day we laid to rest our dedicated MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Muntukayise Bhekuyise Ntuli.
Fare thee well Mvelase, Mnisi wemvula, you have fought a good fight.
Enquiries:
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
Thami Ngidi
Cell: 066 306 6793
