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The South African Communist Party is deeply saddened by the passing on of Comrade Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile, a stalwart and veteran of our liberation struggle. The SACP conveys its heartfelt condolences to the Stofile family, relatives, community, the ANC and broader liberation alliance as well as the mass democratic movement. The SACP dips its red banner in mourning the death of the ANC veteran, a freedom fighter, an ex-political prisoner who served time in Middledrift Maximum Prison, an academic, former ANC Treasurer General, Former ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson and Premier, Former Minister of Sports and the Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare.

Reverend Stofile lived his life dedicated to serving the people of South Africa and the ANC. He served the people of our country with great sense of love and demonstrated his loyalty to the people. Accepting his appointment as the Premier of the Eastern Cape, he had this to say “I accept the responsibility with humility and with great fear. I am afraid to fail our people”.

Rev Stofile has played a huge role in unifying the liberation alliance in the Eastern Cape Province, for he understood that a unified and cohesive alliance is the bedrock of our revolutionary advances.‎ We will remember his great sense of humour and down to earth humility.

The lasting monument we should erect in honouring Comrade Stofile is to serve our people with great commitment and humility.‎ It is to take our cue from his honesty, his loyalty  his selfless reflection, all not in the interest of self but the revolution!
Hamba kahle Bro. Stof.

Issued by the SACP