“Bra Stof was one of the extraordinary leaders that had passion for the liberation struggle‚” said Holomisa of Stofile‚ who died on Monday at his home in Alice in the Eastern Cape.
In paying tribute‚ Holomisa said Stofile died at a time when his principled and rational leadership was needed for the socio-economic development of the country. Holomisa noted Stofile’s “great contribution to the attainment of our constitutional democracy”‚ and recalled how he had experienced “the inhumane brutality of the apartheid regime”.
“I remember when he had to take cover in the former Transkei because of maximum harassment by the apartheid regime‚” said Holomisa.
“He had to be accommodated as a lecturer in the University of Transkei. He is one of the leaders that I personally benefitted from…As we were taking care of his security requirements in the Transkei‚ we did not miss the opportunity to learn from him.”
Holomisa said that Stofile’s leadership qualities did not go unnoticed‚ and were rewarded when he was called to serve in the first democratic Parliament of the country.
“He was the first chief whip of the African National Congress (ANC) not for any other reason but his ability to provide rational and decisive leadership. As a colleague‚ both in the ANC NEC and the South African Parliament‚ I know that his contributions were of significant importance for the development of our people and the nation‚” said Holomisa.
“He was a diligent‚ brilliant and focused person‚ to a level where his commitment was not based on his personal beneficiation but on the total liberation of the people of South Africa.
- Memorable quotes from the late Rev Makhenkesi StofileThese are some of the memorable quotes from the Rev Makhenkesi Stofile‚ who died on Monday morning in Alice‚ in the Eastern Cape‚ aged 72‚ after an illness.
“He may die‚ but his contribution will never be forgotten. I‚ and the people of this country‚ will miss him and his leadership. This country has lost a leader indeed. Our souls are deeply sad by his suddenly death.
“He has left a huge gap in the South African political landscape which we are challenged to fill up. Uhambe kakuhle Faku soze ulibaleke (Go well‚ Faku‚ you will never be forgotten)‚” added Holomisa.
“I and the UDM express our shock at the passing of this capable and brilliant leader. I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to his wife‚ the children‚ the family‚ the ANC‚ friends and comrades‚" said Holomisa.
ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said that there will be a sitting of a press committee on Tuesday‚ at which the arrangements for Stofile’s funeral will be made.
- TMG Digital
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