<p><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/eswatini-prime-minister-ambrose-dlamini-dies/" target="_blank"><em><strong>Read: </strong></em></a><strong><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/eswatini-prime-minister-ambrose-dlamini-dies/"><em>eSwatini Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini Dies</em></a></strong></p><div id="a2365" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="aaf18394ec6c4a1e0aa108e02635b4bc"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1352236767471140865" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce that Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away earli… https://t.co/TIFCoEIq8D</div> — Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe (@Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #StaySafe)<a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa/statuses/1352236767471140865">1611233343.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Mthembu reportedly visited a military hospital in Pretoria after experiencing abdominal pains that needed medical attention. According to <em>IOL</em>, he was <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/jackson-mthembu-dies-of-covid-19-related-complications-1f3f215e-8dce-42d9-b3a4-4271a4cb6757" target="_blank">tested for COVID-19 and the results came back positive</a>. He died only after ten days of battling the virus.</p><p><div class="preroll-video"></div><ora-player></ora-player></p><p>His death has, contrary to the nature of politics, united the voices of opposition parties in the outpouring of endearing condolences. According to <strong><em>BusinessDay</em></strong>, <strong>John Steenhuisen</strong>, leader of the opposition party <strong>Democratic Alliance (DA)</strong>, stated that <a href="https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/ramaphosa-colleagues-mourn-death-of-jackson-mthembu/" target="_blank">while they were enemies, they were also friends</a> during the time they both served as chief whips of their respective political parties. </p><p>The <strong>Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)</strong> stated that Mthembu's death was the the <a href="https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/ramaphosa-colleagues-mourn-death-of-jackson-mthembu/" target="_blank">"loss of a powerful force who discharged his responsibilities with passion"</a>. The EFF went on to commend Mthembu for his<a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/political-parties-pay-tribute-to-minister-mthembu/" target="_blank"> unwavering stance on land expropriation</a>, this according to the <strong><em>SABC</em></strong>. The <strong>Freedom Front (FF)</strong>, <strong>Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)</strong> and <strong>Congress of the People (COPE)</strong> all commended Mthembu's character. </p><p>Tributes have also been coming in waves from ANC members. National Chair of Provinces, <strong>Thandi Modise</strong>, said that they had lost a fierce vocal freedom party. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, <strong>Naledi Pandor,</strong> reportedly saluted Mthembu for his immense <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/political-parties-pay-tribute-to-minister-mthembu/" target="_blank">contributions to the party</a>. </p><p><div class="dfp_atf-slot" data-not-loaded="true"></div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></p><p> South Africa is currently on an adjusted level three lockdown levels, all beaches remain closed and the sale of alcohol has been halted. The government has, however, announced for a <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/south-africa-announces-rollout-plan-for-covid-19-vaccine/" target="_blank">COVID-19 vaccine rollout</a> to commence in February 2021.</p><div id="5ba70" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6bd4b86c886fafb5720ad9db44d445e5"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1352266485280997376" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">There goes a man who epitomized human decency. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Minister… https://t.co/alL3LfrZHy</div> — Prof Thuli Madonsela (@Prof Thuli Madonsela)<a href="https://twitter.com/ThuliMadonsela3/statuses/1352266485280997376">1611240428.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br></p><div id="df7f0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="77da2d75c6ddcb3f0f6fa1bf348845ec"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1352253283478474753" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Terribly shocking and sad news.
Rest in Peace Minister Jackson Mthembu. You will be sorely missed. Thank you for y… https://t.co/Cfr61qzRgO</div> — Phumzile Van Damme (@Phumzile Van Damme)<a href="https://twitter.com/zilevandamme/statuses/1352253283478474753">1611237281.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br></p><div id="31011" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c362fefb5339bc4554527eb0c2bb9643"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1352238987168067584" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Jackson Mthembu’s death is absolutely heartbreaking.
Regardless of your politics, South Africa is a poorer place… https://t.co/xGafC6oeBQ</div> — Nickolaus Bauer (@Nickolaus Bauer)<a href="https://twitter.com/NickolausBauer/statuses/1352238987168067584">1611233872.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br></p><div id="f5536" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="51297168ab558eafa912a974714c61ab"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1352301681510391808" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">A giant tree has fallen
A communicator par excellence, and an even better man. He was always friendly and shall be… https://t.co/AlEW2fV5JE</div> — Dr Zweli Mkhize (@Dr Zweli Mkhize)<a href="https://twitter.com/DrZweliMkhize/statuses/1352301681510391808">1611248820.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br></p><div id="cad9e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8be4c8b5190ec98c5b7002e3937defeb"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1352261612036612098" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">I don't like ANC and their MPs, but my condolences to Jackson Mthembu family. We'll never get used to death. 🙏🏾 #RIPJacksonMthembu</div> — #PutSouthAfricansFirst🇿🇦 (@#PutSouthAfricansFirst🇿🇦)<a href="https://twitter.com/KilliuaDon/statuses/1352261612036612098">1611239266.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br></p><div id="bbb7d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6c2ca32987ec58790c3629eaa1d36364"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1352335128660475908" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Over the years we witnessed the Mthembu family’s tragic moments - Jackson’s battle with alcoholism, son’s addiction… https://t.co/Am5738hSYn</div> — Nomboniso Gasa (@Nomboniso Gasa)<a href="https://twitter.com/nombonisogasa/statuses/1352335128660475908">1611256794.0</a></blockquote></div>
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