Jackson Mthembu dies from Covid-19-related complications

21st January 2021 By: Sane Dhlamini - Creamer Media Senior Contributing Editor and Researcher

Jackson Mthembu dies from Covid-19-related complications

Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sadness and shock, on Thursday, at the news of the passing of Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu.

Mthembu, who had died from Covid-19-related complications, was at the forefront of Cabinet, helping to disseminate information since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country early last year.

On January 11, Mthembu had announced that he had tested positive for Covid-19 after experiencing abdominal pains. He thanked South Africans for wishing him a speedy recovery. His last message to South Africans read, "As a people we must overcome Covid 19."

In a statement from the Presidency, Ramaphosa said 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,” Ramaphosa said.