President Ramaphosa delivers touching eulogy for Jackson Mthembu
- President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a touching eulogy for Jackson Mthembu as he was laid to rest at an emotional funeral
- He had some touching words and praised him for being a champion in the fight against corruption
- Mthembu was afforded a category 1 state funeral and was given an emotional send-off
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President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a touching eulogy for Jackson Mthembu as he was laid to rest on Sunday.
Ramaphosa said that Mthembu cooperated with his colleagues and delivered his duties to the best of his abilities.
The president praised Mthembu for executing his tasks with great commitment and accountability.
Source: Facebook
Ramaphosa said that Mthembu was a kind and friendly person but when he was discharging his duties and fighting corruption people would see a different side to him.
He lauded Mthembu for having the courage to challenge those in powerful positions on matters of corruption.
The president said that Jackson Mthembu risked his life to fight for freedom and despaired when the country "lost its way".
Jackson Mthembu was always a figure who seemed larger than life, he was charismatic and empathetic. South Africa is still reeling from the news of his passing.
His funeral was an emotional affair, he was honoured with a category 1 state funeral.
Mthembu passed on Thursday due to Covid-19 complications.
Mthembu was known as a prominent struggle veteran. He got involved in politics and the struggle movement in the 1970's.
He soon helped to establish the Union of Metal Workers. He was arrested in the 1980's due to his political activism.
Mthembu was charged with terrorism along with 30 other activists in the late 1980's but he was later acquitted.
He rapidly rose through the ranks of the ANC and when South Africa transitioned into a democracy and soon played a prominent role in the government.
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that the late Minister in The Presidency Jackson Mthembu will be honoured with an Official Funeral Category 1 on Sunday.
The event will be taking place at the Minister's Emalahleni home in Mpumalanga with the National Flag flown at half-mast at every station in the country until the evening of the funeral.
Both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President David Mabuza will be attending Mthembu's send-off:
"Deputy President David Mabuza will deliver a keynote tribute at a memorial event on Monday, 25 January 2021, in honour of the late Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu. More details will be announced in due course."
In other news, reports have surfaced that Minister Jackson Mthembu has died. According to a statement released by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mthembu died early on Thursday morning.
In his statement, Ramaphosa said Minister Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist and lifelong champion of freedom and democracy.
"It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce that Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away earlier today from Covid-related complications."
"He was a much-loved and greatly respected colleague and comrade whose passing leaves our nation at a loss. I extend my deepest sympathies to the minister’s family, to his colleagues, comrades and many friends,” Ramaphosa said.
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Source: Briefly News
