By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed the passing of South Africa’s ambassador to the Republic of Algeria, H.E. Billy Masetlha.
Masetlha passed away today, (Sunday 14 May 2023), after a long illness.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor said South Africa has lost an experienced and dependable representative and a firm believer in the ideals and goals of pan-Africanism, “said Pandor.
“Minister Pandor has conveyed a message of condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Masetlha.”
Ambassador Masetlha has served the government in various capacities, including as Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, and was deeply involved in the anti-apartheid movement, including as a member of Umkhonto We Sizwe.
Masetlha, who was also a presidential adviser, was fired from his role as director of intelligence by former President Thabo Mbeki in 2006 when their relationship soured.
He left the agency in 2006 after Mbeki fired him after he was accused of spying on behalf of former president Jacob Zuma.
Mbeki had stated Masetlha’s firing was because of a trust deficit.
Masetlha was exiled to Botswana and Zambia.
He was detained in December 1976 after Tokyo Sexwale, Joe Gqabi and 10 others were arrested for organising on the ANC’s behalf and for sabotage, but had refused to testify against them.
In the early 1970s Masetlha was a member of the BC-oriented South African Students’ Movement (Sasm), becoming its Transvaal secretary and later its national secretary. He helped organise the 1975 pro-Frelimo rally in Durban, which resulted in the arrest of current Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota and others under the Terrorism Act.
He had also helped found the learners’ organisations, the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) and the Azanian Students’ Organisation (Azaso), in July 1979.