(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 21 - The former activist and leading exponent of the South African government, Jackson Mthembu, died of complications linked to the Covid-19 disease, as announced today by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the government website.
Mthembu was a member of parliament and a long-time member of the governing African national congress (ANC) party, making a career that led to him becoming Ramaphosa's right-hand man.
The latter said the 62-year-old was "an exemplary leader" and "a lifelong champion of democracy".
Ten days ago, Mthembu said via Twitter that he had abdominal pain and tested positive for coronavirus.
In a last tweet of the same day, Mthembu thanked "the many South Africans who wished me a speedy recovery. As a people we must overcome Covid-19".
His name in South Africa is trending on Twitter, where many pay homage to the deceased's leadership, transparency, kindness and humor.
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