Eastern Cape Monitor (2024)

07/08/2023

WOMAN AND HER THREE CHILDREN FOUND DEAD IN APPARENT SU***DE AND MURDER

BUTTERWORTH: Amathole District Municipality

Eastern Cape Police Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene has expressed sadness and concern following the egregious deaths of four females at the Tholeni Administrative area in Butterwoth.

It is alleged that at about 07:00 yesterday, 6 August 2023, a woman visited the deceased rondavel when she made the shocking discovery. Bongeka Buso(38) was found hanging from a rope in the rondavel while two other children, Orabile Buso(8) and Oratile Buso(5) were found dead on the bed. Anathi Buso, about 14 years old was found lying on the floor next to the bed with a knife in her neck. Bongeka Buso was the mother to the three children.

It is suspected that the two younger children were poisoned. The motive for the deaths are not known however it is suspected that it could be driven by poverty.

A case of murder x3 and an inquest is opened for investigation.

Lt Gen Mene added that,’ it is a deeply concerning and heart-breaking issue that women facing poverty can be driven to such despair. Socioeconomic challenges can exacerbate their vulnerability to mental health issues. Addressing poverty and promoting mental health support are crucial to prevent such tragedies. As we commemorate Women’s Month, I urge women to raise their voices and speak out. It is crucial to address concerns promptly rather than waiting until they become more difficult to resolve.’

Enquiries: Col Priscilla Naidu

22/01/2023

MURDER SUSPECT ARREST AFTER HE ALLEGEDLY STABBED A WOMAN AT CHECKERS IN VINCENT

*BCM District*: Security officers at a Vincent shop managed to arrest a fleeing murder suspect after he repeatedly stabbed a woman inside a shop this morning, 22/01.

It is alleged that approximately 08:30, police attended to a complaint of stabbing and on arrival, they found a 36 year old female lying on her back in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds on her upper body.

It is further alleged that the suspect, aged 31 years old entered the shop as a customer and attacked the victim who was busy working in the aisles. Suddenly a scream from the aisles was heard by the staff members and the security officers on duty.

The victim came running towards the tills being chased by the suspect who repeatedly stabbed her.

Security officers tried to intervene however the suspect ran out of the shop with the knife in his hand. They apprehended him and handed him over to police. The murder weapon was also recovered.

During the fracas, the suspect was assaulted and a security officer also sustained a stab wound. He was treated and taken to hospital for further treatment in a stable condition. The suspect was also taken to hospital for treatment and is admitted under police guard.

A murder case has been opened and is under investigation.

Enquiries Captain Hazel Mqala

20/11/2022

MOTHER OF FOUR DECEASED CHILDREN HAS DIED IN HOSPITAL : MEDIA STATEMENT

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER: EASTERN CAPE

Date: 20th November 2022

*ENGCOBO*: The 32 year old mother of four (4) children who allegedly died from an assault with a sledgehammer on Wednesday the 9th November 2022 at Mhlabubomvu locality, in Engcobo has died.

The deceased Nomboleko Simayile, the mother of four, was arrested immediately after the incident, following the initial investigation which revealed that she was responsible for murder of the children in her home village. At the time of her death, the circumstances which led to the killing of children were still under the investigation.

According to the information, whilst she was in police custody on Sunday afternoon the 20th November 2022, she reported to the police that she was not feeling well, but did not say what the nature of the sickness was. She was then immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, where she allegedly died. The cause of death is yet to be established, once the post mortem has been conducted.

She had already appeared in Engcobo Magistrate court on murder charges, but the case was remanded to the 29th November 2022 for a formal bail hearing. An Inquest docket has been registered for investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

End

16/08/2022

It is now confirmed that our son ,brother, friend,mentor and icon PK Dweba will be laid to rest on the 27th August 2022 and the memorial service (battle of the DJs) will be held on the 20th both ceremonies at Mthatha stadium.

Once more the family appreciates the support and solidarity from many friends of PK and sithi nangamso but at the same time we strongly appeal to everyone to respect the ora and decorum on how PK should be remembered and people must refrain from casting aspersions and speculations on the the cause of death of PK and respect the family statement that we have faith in our justice system and their assurance that an investigation is underway and we request people to wait for the outcome of these investigations.

Equally whilst we accept that PK was a friend to many and we would love to celebrate his life but lets do that in a way that is sensitive to his family befitting the kind of legacy we would want to preserve about him and same goes with pictures and emages we post about him .

Issued by Adv Sonwabile Mancotywa (Family Spokesperson)

15/08/2022

Shocking news of passing of Phakamani Pk Dweba

It is with great shock and deep pain to announce the death of Phakamani Zwelinzima Dweba, who was affectionately known as PK. Pk was gunned down in the evening outside his home in Mthatha on the 13th Aug 2022.

He was born on the 18th May 1982 in Durban; where he spent all his childhood then later relocated to Mthatha, Eastern cape. He is the last born of three siblings, second son of Toto GR Dweba - orgingally from Flagstaff, a true Mpondo of the Eastern cape and his beloved mother Mamsie DZ Dweba.

This young man met his untimely death at a time when his career was booming as a businessman. He was a house name of his people who lifted the name of Mthatha to unprecedented levels as an entrepreneur and well accomplished star in the entertainment industry.

A businessman, activist, entertainer, Dj and socialite par excellence as a well rounded multi dimensional personality. It was largely due to his mannerism and unsumming love for his people that he became the darling of many with much popularity and respect by many people; young and old. He was an employer of note who absorbed many unemployed and historically disadvantaged youth and aspiring leaders. A very proud boss of every little achievement all his employees achieved, and very supportive of anyone who reached out for help to better their lives. His rise to popularity is reminiscent of his hard work, dedication, discipline, loyalty and commitment to everything he touched.

A true reflection of a young, strong, black man that had a “dream”. He lived to make sure his family, friends, employees and co-business partners understood and adhered to the motor “I have a dream”. His vision was not only his, but many at large.

May your beautiful soul rest in eternal peace ahh !! Sukude, Mkhondwane, Gxarhe’liphezulu, manzakana mini akana busuku ..

Issued by :Adv Sonwabile Mancotywa
(Family Spokesperson)
0615871823
[email protected]

19/07/2022

ICASA CLARIFIES THE SITUATION REGARDING ZIBONELE COMMUNITY RADIO

18 July 2022

Pretoria – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa notes with great concern the unfortunate misinformation and misrepresentation of facts that have been spread on various media platforms about the reasons for the imminent closure of Zibonele Community Radio (Zibonele FM) in the Western Cape.

The Authority views these allegations in a serious light and condemns any threat of violence or illegal action that may be taken against any official of ICASA as a result of the misinformation or misrepresentation.

The Authority would like to emphatically put it on record that we have no intention whatsoever to shut down any community broadcasting service licensee operating validly and in accordance with its licence terms and conditions.

Further, the Authority has always been a staunch supporter of the community broadcasting sector, whose licensees provide a crucial voice with limited resources, and which offers important support to the communities it serves.

Zibonele FM’s licence expired on 25 October 2018. Unfortunately, Zibonele FM failed to submit the required renewal application for its licence in accordance with section 19(2) of the Electronic Communications Act of 2005. Moreover, Zibonele FM failed to provide proof that its renewal application was submitted to the Authority before the expiry date of the licence. The ECA offers the Authority no scope to accept late applications in cases such as this.

In terms of section 7 of the ECA, no person can provide (or operate) a broadcasting service without a licence. As a result, Zibonele FM is currently broadcasting unauthorised, and ICASA is duly obligated to enforce the law.

It is important to highlight that Zibonele Community Radio lodged an urgent application to the Pretoria High Court against the Authority on the same matter. The Urgent Application was subsequently struck off the roll with a legal cost order in favour of the Authority.

Acting Chairperson Charley Lewis emphasises that, “While ICASA is fully committed to promoting the growth of the community radio sector, which plays a critical role in empowering and giving a voice to our communities, we cannot encourage or permit broadcasting without a licence or illegal use of the radio frequency spectrum”.

Ends…

For all media enquiries, please contact:

[email protected]

19/07/2022

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
18 JULY 2022

THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE UPDATE ON ENYOBENI TAVERN TRAGEDY: 19 JULY 2022

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government led by Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane will on Tuesday, 19 July 2022 provide an update on the tragic death of 21 young people, at the Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park; East London on Sunday, 26 June 2022.

Members of the media are invited to attend the media briefing:
VENUE: Cambridge Police Station Hall (1 Garcia Street, Cambridge EL)

DATE : Tuesday, 19 July 2022

TIME : *11H00*

ENDS

ISSUED BY: PROVINCIAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES – EASTERN CAPE

31/03/2022

NSFAS statement on WSU student Sibongile Mani who was convicted in the East London magistrate's court yesterday.
Mani was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment after she was found guilty of theft of more than R800 000 which was erroneously deposited to her by Intellimali, a service provider which was appointed by WSU to distribute funds to students.
Mani's lawyer Asanda Pakade has indicated they will appeal the sentence. The court granted them the leave to appeal and extended Mani's bail.

16/03/2022

UMhlobo Wenene FM CHANGES 2022-23

(FROM APRIL 1)

*Afternoon Drive moves to Cape Town - hosts Luks Gidane and Zinhle Mbusi, Phethu Soga as producer and Tando Gqamane on sport bulletins
*Brakfesi Eyondlayo Ekuseni (BEE), hosted by Pastor Nozewu, Mafa Bavuma, and Mluleki Ntsabo, will now start at 06:00 with Comedian, Ntosh Madlingozi joining the show once a week
*Nokubonga Blaq Maci, will host the 09:00 to 12:00 show every Monday to Wednesday and Fridays
*Amaza Ntshanga takes over the 13:00 to 15:00 weekday slot
*Nomonde Vakalisa - accompanied by the winner of the Female Presenter Search as the host of the Thursday 09:00 to 12:00 religious programme titled Ngenani Emasangweni Ngendumiso (with Mama ka Ma-Asi retiring)
*Nobulali Lali Tokwe takes over the Monday to Thursday 03:00 to 05:00 Beka Ithemba Lakho Kuye (with Rev Rweqane retiring)
*Onke Cetywayo to host Inkolo Yemveli Thursdays from 21:00 to 00:00
*Siphiwo Spitch Nzawumbi and Lusanda Mbane to co-host Vuka Mzantsi with Noloyiso Loy-Loy Bonga on sports bulletin Saturdays from 07:00 to 09:00
*Luckeez Mfowethu Matyholweni to host Umhlobo Wenene Top 20 Saturdays between 13:00 & 15:00
*Samora Mangesi takes over Iqonga Labatsha from 18:00 to 20:00 Saturdays
*Bathandwa 'Mam K' Kwatsha to host Inkolo Nengqiqo Sundays between 05:30 & 07:00
*Linda Nzuzo hosts the new RnB and soul show from 11:00 to 13:00 Sundays
* Dumza Maswana to host the Jazz show from 22:00 to 00:00 Sundays

28/02/2022

For immediate use

UPDATE ON RABIES OUTBREAK IN THE EASTERN

This communication serves to update all the people of the Eastern Cape and farming community on the massive rabies outbreak in the province, in particular in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Amathole and O.R. Tambo Districts.

The province is experiencing an unprecedented massive outbreak on the above mentioned districts. Since the beginning of January 2021 to date, 414 cases in the NMBMM, 42 cases in Amathole district, 27 cases in O.R. Tambo district and 23 cases in Chris Hani district have been laboratory confirmed as positive for rabies.

The epicentre of the current outbreak has been around Despatch, Kariega and KwaNobuhle in the NMBMM, around Buffalo City Metro, Mbashe and Mnquma Local Municipalities in Amathole district, around KSD, PSJ, Ingquza Hill and Mhlontlo in O.R. Tambo district and around Ngcobo and Enoch Mgijima in the Chris Hani district.

There has been some positive cases as well in the other two districts, though not as high as the other four districts. Joe Gqabi district reported six (06) positive rabies cases around Elundini and Senqu Local Municipalities and Alfred Nzo reported five (05) positive cases around Umzimvubu Local Municipality (Mt. Free). The history of these cases involves either dogs or people having been attacked by rabid stray dogs.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that is transmissible from animals to humans and can affect all mammals. It affects the brain, both in animals and humans. The rabies virus is released into the saliva of infected animals and is passed to animals or man through the bite of an infected animal. Dogs and cats are the most common animals that transmit the disease to man.

The Eastern Cape runs an annual rabies awareness and vaccination campaigns from June to September each year. Mass vaccination of dogs and cats through campaigns has been the cornerstone of our control strategy. It has been the single most useful and cost-effective measure for rabies prevention and control. A total of 58 407 dogs and cats have been vaccinated from January 2021 to February 2022 in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality; 73 158 in Amathole district, 118 052 in O.R. Tambo district and 77 681 in Chris Hani district. There has been also vaccinations carried out during the period in Joe Gqabi district and Alfred Nzo district around outbreak areas. Joe Gqabi district vaccinated 24 497 cats and dogs and Alfred Nzo district vaccinated 16 651 pets.

Regular reporting of suspected cases by the Private Veterinarians & Animal Welfare Organisations and euthanasia of dogs with clinical signs was key in the control and prevention of rabies outbreaks. Pamphlets and short clip audio visual material was shared on social media sites as well as publication of vaccination programme in local newspaper Herald. A podcast was also created with Algoa FM. As part of creating awareness among the health practitioners, a webinar was held in collaboration with the department of Health Staff and NICD.

A World Rabies Day was held in Motherwell in Gqeberha on the 28th September 2021. The Theme for the World Rabies day was “Facts not Fear”. MEC for the Department, Ms Nonkqubela Pieters attended the event and shared rabies awareness messages with the crowd that has brought their pets.

On the day before the World Rabies day,
a senior team from the national Department hosted a webinar on rabies outbreaks in South Africa.

Collaboration with Private Veterinarians, Animal Welfare Organisations (SPCA, Animal Anti-Cruelty League and Animal Welfare Society) has been key especially in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. These organisations assisted with collection of samples and vaccinations of dogs and cats. The Nelson Mandela Bay dog control unit has assisted with the collection of sick dogs, taking them to the municipality pound where SPCA operates their facility. The dogs are euthanized and samples taken. SAPS has been involved in the Northern areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, assisting with safeguarding officials and vehicles. Thirty final year students from TARDI assisted with awareness and vaccination campaigns in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.

Below are details of officials to be contacted whenever services are needed

Alfred Nzo: Dr Ncedeka Ndzamela @ 0796952010.
Amathole: Dr Perushka Govender @ 0834590284.
Chris Hani: Dr Matthew Chimbwanda @ 0834592105.
Joe Gqabi: Dr Ziyanda Majokweni @ 0846166084.
O.R. Tambo: Dr Kolisa Nokoyo @ 0837097573.
Sarah Baartman and Nelson Mandela Bay : Dr Lungile Jali @ 0827695601.

Issued by Masiza Mazizi
Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Ms Nonkqubela Pieters

02/02/2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TO: ALL MEDIA
2 February 2022

It is with deep sorrow that the Mateza family confirms the sad yet peaceful passing of one of their own, Dumile CG Mateza.

Our Beloved succumbed to cancer on 1 February 2022.

His passing brings an end to a remarkable career in Sports, News Actuality & Magazine Broadcasting.

Dumile will be sorely missed by his wife, children and extended family.

The Mateza family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all who carried them during the time Dumile was fighting for his life.

When a Loved one passes on, we are never ever prepared for the pain and grief.

Lala ngoxolo Nala.

NB : Updated briefs pertaining to the Memorial service/s and Funeral arrangements will be shared as soon as the family has finalised same.

Issued on behalf of The Mateza Family.

Joint Enquiries:
Mr Luyolo Mateza
0826804137 &
Ms Mandisa T**i
0606739124

11/01/2022

ISIQALO FUND INFORMATION
We get a few queries regarding the Isiqalo Fund, so please note that the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism no longer manages the Isiqalo Fund.
It is now managed by the Office of the Premier. For your convenience, here is some more information about the fund.

10/01/2022

CITY CARRY OUT EVICTIONS IN TROUBLESOME CURRIE STREET BUILDING

Six illegal shop owners residing at the burnt-down Currie Court Building in Quigney have vacated the premises after being warned by Law Enforcement agencies to vacate the premises before Monday, 10 January in time for the owners to start renovations.
Two years ago, Currie Court caught fire and now it has been home to vagrants and criminals.

The City’s law enforcement agencies have been warning vagrants and criminals not to occupy the building.

The owners of the building have recently approached, the City and declared the plans to renovate the burnt-down building.
Towards the end of 2021, Judge Murray Lowe gave the owners of the building 180 days for the building to be either renovated, condemned or demolished.

Municipal Spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the Metro was determined to rid the structure of its ills as it was den for illegal activities since it was burnt down.
“The building is not only an eyesore since it’s located in a busy beachfront road that we have just renovated but also is a danger to locals as continuous usage in such a state can lead to a disaster.”

“Whilst we understand that residents want to see this resolved speedily, we are mindful of the fact that we should follows the Bylaws to the latter.”

“We have been undertaking various operations in this and other similar structures and today’s evictions speak action into our plans of reclaiming our City.”

06/01/2022

NSFAS applications extended to January 21.

03/01/2022

MINISTER MBALULA SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF EMALAHLENI MAYOR

The Minister of Transport Mr Fikile Mbalula has learned with sadness of the passing of the Executive Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Ms Linah Malatjie.

Ms Malatji and her husband passed away in hospital after admission following a vehicle head on collision at approximately 21:30 on Sunday on the R544 road between Gemsbokspruit and Verena, Mpumalanga.

The crash resulted in 3 fatalities with the driver of the second vehicle passing away on the scene.

“This is yet another tragic passing of South Africans on our roads since the start of the festive season. As we head back to our places work I urge all South Africans driving on our roads to be on high alert and observe all the rules of the road. I send my sincere condolences to the families of all those involved in this tragic accident and to many that have lived through this terrible experience over the festive season period. All these are shared national loss and yet more sad reminders to all of us to be more careful, more caring for each other and more responsible on the roads,” Minister Mbalula said.

Traffic Law enforcement authorities are investigating the root cause of the crash.

For General Enquiries contact:
Lawrence Venkile
081 562 3493

Ends -
ISSUED BY:
Ministry of Transport

31/12/2021

President Cyril Ramaphosa: New Year's message

My Fellow South Africans,

This is a special time of year for us all.

It is a time for family and for enjoying quality time with those we love.

For many of us, this is also a time to look back at the year we have been through – it is time to reflect on the year that has gone by. It is time to reflect on our lives and our goals, and on our plans for the year ahead.

Read more: https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-new-years-message-31-dec-2021-0000

31/12/2021

TO: NEWS EDITORS AND JOURNALISTS

FROM: EC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

31 DECEMBER 2021

EASTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RESOLVES THE DELAYED PAYMENTS OF EDUCATION AND GENERAL ASSISTANTS

The Eastern Cape Department of Education wishes to tender its sincere apology to the general assistants and education assistants whose stipends have been paid to their schools through a BAS run on 30 December 2021.

The Department experienced a technical error which resulted in delayed payments across the province, but a circular was send to schools to pay the EAs and GAS from their school budgets. We thank all the schools who conformed, and made the payments earlier this week.

The Department has yesterday made a payment to all participating schools and funds will be available by Wednesday, January 5th, 2022.

“We acknowledge the delay and the inconvenience caused, and we thank all our assistants who managed to be patient enough as we worked around the clock to resolve the issue and as such a payment has been made to all participating schools to pay the outstanding assistant's remunerations,” said Dr Naledi Mbude, the EC Head of Department.

The Department urges all participating schools principals to prioritise this matter and ensure that everyone of the EAs and GAs are paid as soon as the money appears in the school accounts on Wednesdays, January 5th, 2021 so that they focus on their work which resumes when schools open for 2022 calendar year.

ends-

Issued by : ECDoE Communications for more information please contact departmental spokesperson
Mr. Mali Mtima @ 084 230 1976/Acting Director Communications: Ms Nyameka Mgijima-Tokwe @ +27 83 324 4418

30/12/2021

CABINET APPROVES CHANGES TO COVID-19 REGULATIONS

A special Cabinet meeting held earlier today, 30 December 2021, has approved several changes to the Adjusted Alert Level 1 COVID-19 regulations.

This follows meetings of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC), which received updates on the management of the current 4th wave of COVID-19 in South Africa, which is mainly driven by the Omicron variant.

COVID-19 Update:

The information gathered through the system used by the Department of Health has reported a 29.7% decrease in the number of new cases detected in the week ending 25 Dec 2021 (89,781), compared to the number of new cases detected in the previous week (127,753).

All indicators suggest the country may have passed the peak of the fourth wave at a national level. Cases declined in all provinces except the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, which recorded increases of 14% and 18%, respectively. There has been a decline in hospital admissions in all provinces except the Western Cape.

While the Omicron variant is highly transmissible, there has been lower rates of hospitalisation than in previous waves. This means that the country has a spare capacity for admission of patients even for routine health services.

Changes to COVID-19 regulations:

Based on the trajectory of the pandemic, the levels of vaccination in the country and the available capacity within the health sector, Cabinet has decided to make the following changes to Adjusted Alert Level 1 with immediate effect:

-The curfew will be lifted. There will therefore be no restrictions on the hours of movement of people.
-Gatherings are restricted to no more than 1 000 people indoors and no more than 2 000 people outdoors.

Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue may be used. All other restrictions remain in place.

The risk of increase in infections is still high given the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant. Government calls on all organisers of these gatherings to ensure that all health protocols are observed at all times and that all attendees are encouraged to be vaccinated.

-Alcohol establishments that have licences to operate beyond 23h00 will revert back to full licence conditions.

The NCCC will continue to closely monitor the situation and will make further adjustments as necessary, particularly if pressure on health facilities increases.

The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory, and failure to wear a mask when required remains a criminal offence.

South Africans are urged to continue observing basic health protocols to prevent the transmission of the virus.

Vaccination remains the best defence against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. All people in South Africa who have not yet done so are encouraged to vaccinated as soon as possible. This includes people who are eligible for booster shots.

Parents are reminded to support their children aged 12 years and older to use this opportunity to vaccinate before schools open. This will avoid learners losing school time as a result of testing positive or as a result of contact with people infected with COVID-19.

Issued by the Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele.

30/12/2021

Archbishop Thabo Makgabo leading the proceedings as Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s body arrives at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. The Arch to lie in state for two days for members of the public to pay their last respect to him until 5pm today.

26/12/2021

ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS DESMOND MPILO TUTU HAS PASSED ON

SUNDAY 26 DECEMBER 2021

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS DESMOND MPILO TUTU

President Cyril Ramaphosa expresses, on behalf of all South Africans, his profound sadness at the passing today, Sunday 26 December 2021, of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu.

Archbishop Tutu, the last surviving South African laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, passed away in Cape Town at the age of 90.

President Ramaphosa expresses his heartfelt condolences to Mam Leah Tutu, the Tutu family, the board and staff of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the Elders and Nobel Laureate Group, and the friends, comrades and associates nationally and globally of the iconic spiritual leader, anti-apartheid activist and global human rights campaigner.

President Ramaphosa said: “The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa.

“Desmond Tutu was a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead.

“A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world.

“As Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission he articulated the universal outrage at the ravages of apartheid and touchingly and profoundly demonstrated the depth of meaning of ubuntu, reconciliation and forgiveness.

“He placed his extensive academic achievements at the service of our struggle and at the service of the cause for social and economic justice the world over.

“From the pavements of resistance in South Africa to the pulpits of the world’s great cathedrals and places of worship, and the prestigious setting of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the Arch distinguished himself as a non-sectarian, inclusive champion of universal human rights.

“In his richly inspiring yet challenging life, Desmond Tutu overcame tuberculosis, the brutality of the apartheid security forces and the intransigence of successive apartheid regimes. Neither Casspirs, teargas nor security agents could intimidate him or deter him from his steadfast belief in our liberation.

“He remained true to his convictions during our democratic dispensation and maintained his vigour and vigilance as he held leadership and the burgeoning institutions of our democracy to account in his inimitable, inescapable and always fortifying way.

“We share this moment of deep loss with Mam Leah Tutu, the Archbishop’s soulmate and source of strength and insight, who has made a monumental contribution in her own right to our freedom and to the development of our democracy.

“We pray that Archbishop Tutu’s soul will rest in peace but that his spirit will stand sentry over the future of our nation.”

ISSUED BY MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY MONDLI GUNGUBELE

Eastern Cape Monitor

07/08/2023

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