Former sports minister Makhenkesi Stofile dies
President Jacob Zuma and the country’s political parties have conveyed their “deepest condolences” to the family of Makhenkesi Stofile, former Eastern Cape premier, cabinet minister and ambassador to Germany.
Makhenkesi, who also served as the ANC chief whip in the country’s first democratically elected government, succumbed to an undisclosed illness on Monday (August15). He was 71.
Former minister of Sport and Recreation Makhenkesi Stofile has died at the age 72. File picture: Damaris Helwig. Credit: INDEPENDENT MEDIA
Zuma described Stofile, whose death has been likened to the fall of a Baobab tree, as a “distinguished freedom fighter” and a dedicated servant of the people. “We wish to convey our deepest condolences to his family during this painful and difficult period,” he said.
Political parties have also reflected on Stofile’s death and commended him for the “sterling role” he played in the country’s politics and sports. He served as sports minister between 2004 and 2010 and was replaced by the flamboyant minister Fikile Mbalula.
The ANC owed an “indelible debt of gratitude” to Stofile who joined the ruling party in 1958, according to spokesman Zizi Kodwa.
He described Stofile as a dedicated and loyal servant of the people, who had an “abiding love” for sports. “He led from the front in the campaign for non-racial sport and long been a committed supporter of anti-doping. Indeed the great Baobab tree has fallen in our 104 year old liberation movement,” said Kodwa.
DA Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral candidate Athol Trollip sent condolences to Stofile’s family “and to the ANC” on his passing. “We pray that God will provide them with strength during this difficult time.”
Pan Africanist Congress of Azania spokesman Kenneth Mokgatlhe said: “We are joining other South Africans to send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his lovely family, comrades and the entire country for having lost such a great man, a man of God indeed.”
Former Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile dies
Tributes are pouring in on social media for the former Minister of Sport and Recreation. It was reported that he died at his home in Alice due to an undisclosed illness. Stofile was also a former Eastern Cape Premier. He was 72 years old.
It was ironic, he said, that Stofile died during the Olympic Games currently taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where athlete Wayde van Niekerk won the first gold medal for South Africa and set a new world record of 43.03 seconds during the 400m men’s final on Sunday.
@luyolomkentane
IOL MOJO
Comments
Post a Comment