Brand South Africa CEO, Dr Kingsley Makhubela, has encouraged South Africans to reflect on the freedom, privileges and rights that the nation enjoys as a result of the sacrifices made by leaders who have recently passed away.
His comments follow the passing of politician Zola Skweyiya at the age 75. He passed away in hospital after a short illness.
Brand SA said Skweyiya's life was devoted to the party he joined in 1956. He served as Minister of Public Service and Administration (1994-1999) and Minister of Social Development (1999-2009).
He was appointed as South Africa’s High Commissioner to the UK in 2009 and received the order of Luthuli in 2014.
“South Africans should strive to make our country better by protecting the freedom that so many who came before us fought for and died for. We wish to express our most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of our struggle heroes.
“We share in your mourning, and hope you find comfort in the tributes pouring in from the nation and the world,” Makhubela said.
Skweyiya’s passing follows that of Mama Winnie, who passed away on 2 April after a long illness. Ambassador Sipho George Nene also passed away on Friday, 6 April.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said in Skweyiya, South Africa has lost a veteran of the struggle and servant of democracy.
“The foundation has lost a friend. This long-time anti-apartheid activist devoted his life to attaining and nurturing democracy in South Africa. Madiba respected the work he did in the field of HIV/Aids,” the foundation said.
Skweyiya supported the foundation on a number of projects over the years.
In 2010, he hosted the London launch of Madiba’s book Conversations with Myself. – SAnews.gov.za
