Image:South African Government – Facebook
Hamba Kahle Mkhonto: Jackson Mthembu to be laid to rest in Emalahleni Sunday
The funeral service of Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu will get underway at 09:00 Sunday at the Roman Catholic Church near his home in Ackerville Township, eMalahleni in Mpumalanga.
Image:South African Government – Facebook
“You were truly an outstanding, humble human being who really cared for our country and its people.”
In a short, yet very profound line, the writer of this tribute to Jackson Mthembu elegantly captures how most South Africans, regardless of political persuasion, viewed the late Minister in the Presidency.
It’s a recurring theme that runs through the avalanche of praise on his Facebook tribute page set up by the government.
Bianca O’Donnell We are so sad of your passing.. your presence on tv always got most of us calm as you had the gentle way of talking and assuring us. You will be missed. 
Liz Pattison One of the few honest people in a leadership role. A very sad loss. May he rest in eternal peace and may the Lord spread His wings of comfort over the family.
Suraiya Hassen Very sad at the passing of a dedicated and committed cadre. You always had your feet on the ground and listened to the voices of the people.
Lance Dawn Nel I didn’t know him personally but got to know him in tv during lockdown and his good heart was shining through for all to see and I really liked him.
A minister for all seasons
Jackson Mthembu, the man who so competently facilitated the government’s briefings on the coronavirus pandemic, passed on 21 January 2021 from COVID-related complications.
“Minister Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist, and a 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.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
Even the hard-pressed Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen spoke of his “devastation” when he learnt of Mthembu’s passing, adding that it “was such an honour to serve alongside this true South African patriot.”
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema tweeted a broken heart in reference to Mthembu’s passing.
Bantu Holomisa, leader of the United Democratic Movement, said Mthembu fought fiercely for what he believed in, and noted that humour was “the gift that God gave him.”
We at the TSA were also shocked and saddened by the news. Tom Head said “Mthembu was a man of decency and a proud South African and that his loss will be felt sharply across the entire country. A true giant of the political arena has left the stage.”
“I’ll remember Mthembu for his warm sense of humour and ability to find common ground across the benches,” said TSA’s Dan Meyer.
RIP Jackson Mthembu, 1958 – 2021: The ‘fearless and friendly’ minister
Official Funeral Category 1
Mthembu will be honoured with an Official Funeral Category 1 at his home in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, with the national flag fluttering at half-mast at every flag station in the country in homage.
“The Minister will be laid to rest at Old Pretoria Road Cemetery in Emalahleni. Due to the Covid-19 alert level 3 regulations currently in place, attendance of the funeral service will be limited to 50 people,” said GCIS DG Phumla Williams.
No doubt, most of South Africa will be in Emalahleni in spirit to accord a fitting send-off for this gracious and dedicated servant of South Africa.
Cain Lerumo Matloko You served us with dignity and your sense of humour allowed us space to escape fear. We say thank you for loving South Africa and her people. We pray for your family’s peace and comfort and we thank them for sharing you with us.
Herman Pretorius Sincere condolences to his family. I enjoyed his press briefings and his honesty and sense of humourHamba Kahle R I P SIR
Nelida Gomes Da Silva Respect for all the work you did. Watched you many times during covid updates on television. And the next minute you became an angel. May you Rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to the family 
Simphiwe Miya May your soul rest in internal Mr Mthembu Sir we knew very well and what you stood for. Can’t explain in detail but the memories of a warrior who fought a good fight shall never be forgotten lala uphumule Mvelasi
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