Accolades for Msimang, 78

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC paid tribute to struggle stalwart and former ANC treasurer-general Mendi Msimang, who died after a long illness yesterday.

Ramaphosa said he was saddened by Msimang’s death and extended condolences to the family, their friends and associates inside the country and internationally on behalf of the government and the ruling party.

Msimang, 78, was highly regarded internationally and within the ANC. He was part of the ANC generation that went into exile to fight the apartheid regime from outside the country. He became the ANC representative in London in the 1960s.

Former president Nelson Mandela, in recognition of Msimang’s work in the United Kingdom, appointed him as the first post-apartheid UK high commissioner from 1995 to 1998. Msimang was married to the late minister of health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

“Today we bow our heads and hearts in remembrance of our beloved Tata Mendi Msimang in whom South Africa has lost a servant-leader and patriot of great distinction. Tata Msimang was strong of character and principle, which he conveyed with humility and kindness,” Ramaphosa said.

The president said that the veteran joined a gallery of extraordinary South Africans who died before him in recent months

Yesterday the ANC described Msimang as an “unwavering revolutionary”.

It added: “He cut his teeth alongside the likes of Walter Sisulu and others in the ANC Youth League. He served his articles at the law firm of Mandela and Oliver Tambo before he went into exile in 1961 after the ANC top leadership directed him to join Tambo outside the country.

“On his return he was elected into the ANC national executive committee in 1991 and in 1994 became the first chairperson of the party caucus. When Thabo Mbeki succeeded Mandela as ANC president in Mafikeng in December 1997, Msimang was elected as treasurer-general at the same conference.

“Uncle Mendi, as he was affectionately known, was awarded the Order for Meritorious Service in Silver by Mandela in 1999.

“Comrade Mendi Msimang remained a relentless and calm activist and patriot who despite his advanced age continued to serve the country and the ANC, as a member of the ANC Integrity Commission and a member of the Advisory Board on National Orders.”

Party spokesperson Pule Mabe said the ANC would meet his family with a view to assist in funeral preparations.

“We will continue to celebrate his life and leadership and preserve his legacy for future generations,” he said.