South African government minister Jackson Mthembu dies of Covid

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Mthembu was one of the key government leaders in his response to the pandemic and to the public during many Covid-19 press conferences.

“We announce with sadness and deep shock that Presidential Minister Jackson Mthembu passed away earlier today due to complications related to COVID. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss,” President Ramaphosa wrote on Twitter.

“Minister Mthembu was an exemplary leader, activist and lifelong champion of freedom and democracy. He was a much-loved and respected colleague and comrade, whose passing leaves our nation at a loss,” Ramaphosa added.

On January 11, Mthembu wrote on Twitter that he had contracted Covid-19.

“Today I visited the military hospital in Tshwane to receive medical care for abdominal pain. After undergoing tests, I tested positive for Covid-19,” he said.

Mthembu then thanked South Africans who wished him a speedy recovery and said the country “must overtake Covid-19”.

John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance, which is the opposition party in South Africa, said he was “devastated” to learn about the passing of the minister.

“It was such an honor to serve alongside this true South African patriot. Condolences to his family and friends and colleagues in his party,” he said. he said in a tweet.

As of Wednesday, the South African Department of Health reported 1,369,426 cases of Covid-19 and 38,854 deaths.

Ramaphosa extended coronavirus restrictions in the country on January 11, citing a “massive increase” in Covid-19 cases caused by a variant discovered there last year.
The African Union is providing an additional 270 million doses of Covid vaccine for the continent

In addition to extending existing measures, Ramaphosa announced that 20 land borders will be closed by February 15.

Mthembu was an anti-apartheid activist who first became involved in politics in the 1970s.
He was harassed and intimidated by apartheid police, and during the terrorism trial Bethal was charged with sabotage, treason and terrorism, but was acquitted, according to the South African presidency’s website.
Under President Nelson Mandela, he was the spokesman for the ANC party from 1995-1997 and again from 2009-2014.

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