The late minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu, was hailed for his honesty, humility and humour by his family, comrades and those who worked closely with him.
Speakers at his funeral held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in eMalahleni yesterday took turns remembering the man they loved and respected for his honesty and courage.
Mthembu was given a Category 1 state funeral by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
A tribute written by his wife Thembi, who married Mthembu when she was just 23, gave a glimpse of their relationship.
“I never thought we would make it up to this far but through God’s grace we made it. Thank you for all the years that we’ve spent together. We’ve had our difficulties, as other couples do and I can’t forget the wonderful moments too. I won’t forget you calling me Mathembis or ntombazane, which made my in-laws to call me by my name. We will always remember your jokes. You will always be a part of me,” the note read.
Mthembu died of Covid-19 complications on January 21. He was at the forefront of government’s message to the nation on what should be done to prevent a further spread of the coronavirus.
Ramaphosa recalled the role that Mthembu played in the government and his own life. He said Mthembu transcended political differences and was respected across party lines.
“As for me, I have lost not just a dependable colleague and a comrade, I have lost a dear friend. It is a loss that I feel most keenly. He was generous in spirit and had a charming personality. He had an enduring ability to lift anybody’s mood, including mine and fortify my resolve in even the most difficult situations,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa also remembered Mthembu’s sense of humour.
“He laughed about many things that he probably should have not laughed about. Just as he cared deeply about everything that he should ... He was a principled person and a man of great courage. Above many other things, Jackson Mthembu was an honest man who never hesitated to speak up for what he believed to be right no matter what the cost,” Ramaphosa said.
He said Mthembu brought clarity, certainty and uttermost professionalism to every task he was assigned.
“He has left a huge void in our government. Some have even suggested that Jackson Mthembu is irreplaceable.”
Speaker of the National Assembly, Thandi Modise, remembered Mthembu as a mediator.
“It didn’t matter how much he had fought today with a member of the opposition. If we called him with Sis Baleka [Mbete] and say there is an issue, he would say ‘I’m here'. He understood that when you are a member of parliament you are not representing yourself,” Modise said.
Mthembu’s brother Buyisiwe described him as a pillar of the family.
Mthembu was laid to rest at the Pretoria Memorial Park Cemetery.
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