South African ambassador, ANC veteran Billy Masetlha has died. Picture: Werner Beukes/SAPA
Former spy boss Billy Masetlha dies at age 68
Former head of the national intelligence agency and SA’s ambassador to Algeria Billy Masetlha dies at age 68.
South African ambassador, ANC veteran Billy Masetlha has died. Picture: Werner Beukes/SAPA
Former spy boss and South Africa’s ambassador to Algeria, Billy Masetlha, has died at the age 68, the department of international relations & co-operations (Dirco) confirmed on Sunday.
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Masetlha dies at age 68 after a long-term illness
The former head of the national intelligence agency died earlier on Sunday after a lengthy illness.
Masetlha, who was also a presidential adviser, was fired from his role as director of intelligence by former president Thabo Mbeki in 2006 when their relationship soured.
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Mbeki had stated Masetlha’s firing was because of a trust deficit.
He served as senior ANC leader and was elected to the party’s national executive committee several times.
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According to News24, Masetlha was the founding member of the Congress of South African Students.
He participated in political organisations, including the Azanian Students Organisation and the Soweto Students Representatives Council.
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Government pays tribute
In a short tribute to Masetlha, Dirco said: “[He] has served the government in various capacities … and was deeply involved in the anti-apartheid movement, including as a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe.”
“Masetlha was exiled in Botswana and Zambia. During this time, he worked with the youth and student organisations in the fight against the apartheid regime,” Dirco added.
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The office of international relations & co-operation minister Naledi Pandor said SA had lost an experienced and dependable representative and a firm believer in the ideals and goals of pan-Africanism.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of ambassador Masetlha,” said Pandor.
