Cabinet minister Jackson Mthembu (62) has died due to Covid-19 complications.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the passing.
The president wrote on the statement:
“It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce that Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away earlier today from COVID-related complications.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss.
Minister 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.”