Tributes pour in for Jackson Mthembu

THE ANC and political parties across the board have paid tribute to Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu, who died of Covid-19-related complications yesterday. He was 62 years old.

The ANC conveyed “its heartfelt condolences” to the NEC member’s family, friends, colleagues and comrades.

“The passing of Jackson Mthembu is a great loss to South Africa and to our movement,” ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe said in a statement.

DA leader John Steenhuizen also expressed great shock at the news and said he was "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of ANC stalwart and my former parliamentary colleague, adversary and friend“.

The EFF posted a video clip of Mthembu in Parliament on Twitter and said: “While we differed from time to time, we know that our country has lost a powerful force who charged his responsibilities with passion. Rest in peace Comrade Jackson Mthembu.”

Freedom Front Plus Chief Whip Corne Mulder said: “Jackson Mthembu was an excellent Chief Whip of Parliament. He stood strong and on principle when Parliament came under attack during Zuma years. Later he was a competent and dedicated member of the Executive. His death is a tragedy for us all.”

The African Transformation Movement said: “During his lifetime, Minister Mthembu served SA courageously, and the notable deeds of his patriotic nature are highly appreciated, also noting Minister Mthembu’s stellar work in the SADC regions, ensuring that there is peace in the SADC affiliated countries, especially when there was looming instability.”