'Hamba kahle, Mkhonto': Mzansi mourns the death of minister Jackson Mthembu
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Social media was flooded with tributes to late minister in the presidency Jackson Mthembu after his death on Thursday morning.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement that Mthembu had died of Covid-19 related complications. He was 62 at the time of his death.
On January 11, Mthembu announced that he had tested positive for Covid-19 after “showing some symptoms”.
“Today I visited the military hospital in Tshwane to get medical attention for an abdominal pain. After undergoing some tests, I tested positive for Covid-19. Plans are afoot to get all my family members and close associates tested as well,” he wrote.
Mthembu was a prominent part of the government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, communicating key messages about the virus to citizens.
“Minister Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist and lifelong champion of freedom and democracy. He was a much-loved and greatly respected colleague and comrade, whose passing leaves our nation at a loss,” Ramaphosa said in tribute to Mthembu.
Social media was filled with messages of condolences and tribute to Mthembu, dominating the Twitter trends list with thousands of tweets.
Jackson Mthembu 💔
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) January 21, 2021
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness"
— 05th November (@pitsode1) January 21, 2021
Rest in Power Jackson Mthembu
Hamba kahle, Mkhonto,
Wee, Mkhonto, Mkhonto weSizwe!#RIPJacksonMthembu pic.twitter.com/5lAbnYUkCR
Rest in peace çomrade Jackson mthembu pic.twitter.com/SZgObsj1f0
— Donald dk kekana (@kekana_donald) January 21, 2021
I am absolutely sad about Jackson Mthembu. Never met him but he would hold my attention every time I saw him on tv. Sad and not that it matters but condolences. ❤️
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) January 21, 2021
Hamba kahle mkhonto. You played your part, a man of life upright 🇿🇦💛💚🖤 pic.twitter.com/uhCirWrbVH
— ✨EmKaY🌍 (@Mr_EmKaY_M) January 21, 2021
Sad news indeed. Condolences to the Mthembu family.
— Mapula Milli (@MapulaMokgosang) January 21, 2021
Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away today. 😢 pic.twitter.com/U4keu2y6nu
Rest in Peace Jackson Mthembu. 🕯 🕊 pic.twitter.com/ZB7NXY6BpQ
— Ziggy Shibambu (@ziggy_diver) January 21, 2021
Another moment in our endless grieving journey 😭... condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Minister Jackson Mthembu. #RIPJacksonMthembu pic.twitter.com/qBLI5P46LE
— Katlego Maseng 🧠 (@KatlegoMaseng1) January 21, 2021
Oh man😥, Rest In Peace Minister Jackson Mthembu, this virus is cruel. Condolences to the Family and South Africans.#JacksonMthembu pic.twitter.com/lJPmcnCLkt
— JR (@JrMashiane) January 21, 2021
This Covid-19 is real, it tears families apart, we are losing so many people. Oh man 😭 Jackson Mthembu is no more #RIPJacksonMthembu pic.twitter.com/OtRUYOT9H4
— Catchvibe Moatshe (@IamCatchvibe) January 21, 2021
What a great man, what a great leader. Rest in Peace Jackson Mthembu @JacksonMthembu_ #RIPJacksonMthembu pic.twitter.com/YAAqjOtVGE
— Nyiko Chuma (@Nyiko_Chum) January 21, 2021
Another giant, and a patriot, has fallen. Deep condolences and thoughts to the family of Minister Jackson Mthembu. pic.twitter.com/3Reypp6nrx
— We wear masks (@HospitalAssocSA) January 21, 2021
Jackson Mthembu had that aura, that positive vibe thingy. He was immensely likeable. Rest easy Cde Mjekejeke pic.twitter.com/CXfDtwFIJO
— NaPetha (@ThuliNtonga) January 21, 2021
Don't usually do RIP posts unless it's someone very very close to my heart. Rest well Minister Jackson Mthembu.
— Thabang (@Great_Kopi) January 21, 2021
Your love for the ANC was evident pic.twitter.com/iYv9PXp5r7
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