By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the passing of Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, as a great tragedy, particularly at a time when government is striving to return to a path of integrity, selfless service and transformation.
Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church during his official funeral in his hometown of Emalahleni.
Mthembu died on Thursday from COVID-19 related complications.
Ramaphosa said he was shocked when health Minister Zweli Mkhize informed him of Mthembu’s passing.
“I was sorrowful and heartbroken when I received the news of Jackon Mthembu’s passing from Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize, and the doctor who was in charge of treating him.”
Ramaphosa said he had lost a dependable colleague and a friend: “As for me, I have lost not just a dependable colleague and a comrade, I have lost a dear friend and it is a loss that I feel most keenly. Minister Mthembu had many virtues that I observed over the many years of our working together and our friendship.”
The president said the minster hated corruption and self-serving public officials.
“He was never deceived by the false smiles and empty promises of those who sought to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor or the weak.”
He praised Mthembu for being a beacon of hope when the nation was close to despair, lifting spirits and bringing clarity, certainty and the utmost professionalism to every task he was assigned.
“Mvelase was among those infinitely rare individuals in our politically-charged society. He was admired and respected across party lines. It has been profoundly touching to witness how the news of Jackson Mthembu’s passing stilled the clatter and bickering that has consumed us in recent times and united us in our sorrow.
“One dare hope that the sentiment that has been displayed at Jackson Mthembu’s passing is a reminder that we have far more in common than we may choose to believe, whether as members of society or as political parties, “Ramaphosa said.
He described Mthembu’s loss as one he felt acutely, calling him a dear friend, whose many virtues he observed over the many years of the friendship they shared.
“He was generous in spirit and had a charming personality. He had the endearing ability to lift my mood and fortify my resolve in even the most difficult situations.
“He had a sense of humour that was often most irreverent. He laughed – with his entire body – about things that he probably shouldn’t have, just as he cared deeply about everything that he should, “an emotional Ramaphosa said.
Speaker of Parliament, Thandi Modise, who described Mthembu as a great leader and father, urged the nation to rededicate themselves to fight Coronavirus.
“Parliament has lost a public representative. We’ve lost a man who could mediate, and if we called him, he would say ‘I’m here’. He understood that when you are a Member of Parliament, you speak on behalf of the people,” Modise said.
Mthembu’s wife, Thembi, meanwhile said she would forever love her husband.
Her message was delivered by a nurse who took care of the late minister in hospital, Sister Mavis Mahlahoana, who spoke fondly of him.
“And then he said to me, ‘thank you very much for what you’re doing for the nation”.
In a moving tribute to her father, minister Jackson Mthembu’s daughter Thuli praised him for being a hardworking and loving man.
“Daddy, you’ve accomplished so much in your life, yet we’ve always felt like your biggest accomplishment,” Thuli said as she tried to compose herself.
“No-one who knows you did not know of our achievements and that’s how proud you are of being our father.”
“You taught us so much without saying anything at all. You taught that hard work and humility are two peas in a pod like prayer and patience. I’m sad that you won’t be teaching this to all our kids.”
I will miss answering my phone and hearing. ‘is that my daughter?’ not knowing if I should say yes. I will miss you look at me like I’m crazy when I dish anything that’s not pap because everything else is considered a salad.”
She praised her father for being a hardworking man.
“I will miss you saying, ‘sisebenza kanzima [we work hard] serious’, him being the hardest working man I’ve ever known.”
“You’ve left us with the greatest gift ever, each other. We promise that your love will continue holding us together. We’ll keep praying for and with each other. You may be gone but we promise your legacy and love will live on through us.”
Lala ngoxolo Mvelase ka Guda!