19 July 1936 - 25 January 2015
Mr Loots, who was famously known as James Stuart, served as a Member of Parliament in the first democratic parliament from 1994 to 1999 following the first democratic elections in 1994.
Mr Loots was born on the 19 July 1936 in Hertzog near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. He matriculated at the John Bisseker high school in East London and studied civil engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand.
It was at university where his political views were shaped. A commitment to the fight for freedom and equal treatment led to a decision to leave his studies for a life in exile as James Stuart.
Mr Loots was recruited into the African National Congress military wing Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961. He underwent military training in Odessa, Kishinev and Moscow. He served in the ANC NEC during the period 1985 - 1990 under the Presidency of Oliver Tambo.
As an NEC member he was appointed as the Secretary of the External Coordinating Committee. He also participated in negotiations as part of the ANC team after the organisation’s unbanning.
Mr Loots had become a Member of Parliament under the Presidency of Nelson Mandela. He served in Parliament from 1994-1999 and was also on the Joint Standing Committees of Defence.
When he retired in 1999 he pursued his interests in the private sector. Mr Loots provided advisory services to a number of government entities and sat on the boards of private sector organisations.
President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Official Funeral for the Umkhonto we Sizwe struggle stalwart. President Zuma has ordered that the National Flag at all flag stations in the country be flown at half-mast from 1 February 2016 until the day of the funeral, 6 February 2016 to mark respect to Mr Loots.
Memorial Service
The Special Official Funeral of the Umkhonto we Sizwe struggle stalwart and former Member of Parliament, Mr Hermanus Loots will take place on Wednesday, 3 February 2016 at Joburg City Hall.
The service will commence at 15h00. Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu will deliver a key note address at the official memorial service of Hermanus Loots.
Funeral
The Special Official Funeral of the Umkhonto we Sizwe struggle stalwart and former Member of Parliament, Mr Hermanus Loots will take place on Saturday, 6 February 2016 at the St Mungos United Church, Cnr William Nicole and Grosvenor Roads, Bryanston, Johannesburg.
The service will commence at 09h00. His Excellency President Jacob Zuma will deliver a eulogy.
Speeches and statements
- President Jacob Zuma: Eulogy at Special Funeral of Mr Hermanus Gabriel Loots, 6 Feb
- Collection of media accreditation for Official Funeral of Hermanus Loots, 5 Feb
- Media accreditation for Special Official funeral of Hermanus Loots, 3 Feb
- Government holds official memorial service of struggle stalwart Hermanus Loots, 3 Feb, 3 Feb
- President Jacob Zuma declares Special Official Funeral for late Mr Loots, 2 Feb
- President Jacob Zuma saddened by passing of Mr Hermanus Loots, 25 Jan
