President Cyril Ramaphosa says he was deeply saddened to hear that Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, passed away.

Mthembu passed away earlier today from COVID-19 related complications.

In a statement, Ramaphosa says Mthembu was an exemplary leader, activist and life-long champion of freedom and democracy.

Describing his passing as a great loss

to the nation, the President conveyed his condolences to the Minister's family, colleagues and friends."https://scontent-jnb1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s526x296/141367826_3900204453365243_4399960581152321489_n.png?_nc_cat=101&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=Y36zJG-htEMAX-VlWuN&_nc_ht=scontent-jnb1-1.xx&_nc_tp=30&oh=7270492f3f917d2fb1d4ac72a43463fc&oe=6030E528"

TAP IMAGE/S BELOW TO EXPAND