THE late Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu was laid to rest in his hometown of Witbank, Mpumalanga, on Sunday, during an emotional send-off attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, close family members, ANC supporters and government officials.
Mthembu was accorded an official category one funeral.
The minister died on Thursday from COVID-19 related complications aged 62.
Delivering a eulogy at his funeral, Ramaphosa said the death of Mthembu struck a deep and solemn note.
“I was shocked and heartbroken when I received the news of Minister Mthembu’s untimely passing from the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize and the doctor who was in charge of treating him, Dr Williams, on Thursday,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa said Mthembu was the public face of his administration, communicating its policies and its decisions.
“He carried our message of compassion, solidarity and unity. When we found ourselves close to despair, as a people and a nation, he offered hope. When our nation’s spirits were down and flagging, he lifted them up. He brought clarity, certainty and the utmost professionalism to every task he was assigned,” said Ramaphosa.
“He has left a huge void in our government, in the movement to which he dedicated his life and in the country of which he was such a proud citizen. Mvelase was among those infinitely rare individuals in our politically-charged society. He was admired and respected across party lines.”
Mthembu was described by many speakers as a selfless, dedicated and disciplined member of the ANC.
His daughter, Thuli Mthembu, said his father was a friendly, empathetic and compassionate father with a wicked, uncanny sense of humour.
“I am saddened your death. I will miss you dearly. I will miss answering my phone and hear you say, is that my daughter. You were the hardest working people I have ever known. We promise that your love will hold us together. You may be gone but your legacy and love with live on with us forever,” she said.
According to his obituary, Mthembu was born at Schoongezicht farm in Emalahleni (formerly Witbank) in Mpumalanga on June 5 1958.
He was the firstborn son of Mama Rosie Nantoni Mthembu.
Mthembu is survived by his siblings, wife Thembi Mthembu, their children and a grandchild.
(SOURCE: INSIDE POLITICS)
