Jackson Mthembu

Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu. Photo: GCIS
Image Source: Flickr

Breaking: Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu has died

Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu – an exemplary leader according to the president – has sadly passed on due to COVID-19 related complications.

Jackson Mthembu

Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu. Photo: GCIS
Image Source: Flickr

President Cyril Ramaphosa took to social media on Thursday afternoon to announce extremely shocking and sad news. He said Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu sadly passed away earlier in the day due to COVID-19 related complication.

‘JACKSON MTHEMBU WAS AN EXEMPLARY LEADER’ – RAMAPHOSA

While Ramaphosa did not disclose many details, he did say the minister passed on from COVID-19 related complications. This after he recently tested positive for the virus.

“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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss,” said Ramaphosa.

“Minister Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist and life-long champion of freedom and democracy. 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,” he added.

MINISTER RECENTLY TESTED POSITIVE AND WAS IN HIGH SPIRITS

On 11 January, the presidency released a statement saying that he had tested positive for COVID-19. According to a statement, the minister took the test early on that day after showing some symptoms. 

The news also came hours before President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to address the nation on the latest developments in our response to COVID-19.

Jackson Mthembu, according to Cabinet Spokesperson Phumla Williams, was the fourth member of the Executive who had tested positive in that week, however, Williams said he remained in high spirits and wishes all those who were also fighting COVID-19 a speedy recovery. 

“We once again urge all South Africans to play their part by continuing to regularly wash/sanitising their hands, properly wearing a face mask and practising physical distancing at all times,” Mthembu said at the time.  

This is a developing story, updates to follow.