African National Congress (ANC) stalwart, Dr Zola Skweyiya, served his country with distinction and great fervour, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa in a statement passed on condolences to the family of Skweyiya, who passed away after a short illness on Wednesday morning.
“Our thoughts, as colleagues and comrades, go out to the family and friends of Dr Skweyiya who served our country with great passion and distinction during his time in Cabinet and the diplomatic service,” says Ramaphosa.
“Dr Skweyiya’s endearing engagement and his contribution to our society – especially his role as the first Minister to lead the Public Service in a democratic South Africa – will be greatly missed and honoured.”
Ramaphosa said details of a memorial for Skweyiya would be made available at a later stage.
Skweyiya was democratic South Africa’s first public service and administration minister. He later served as social development minister before retiring in 2009. He then served as the country’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
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#ZolaSkweyiya; another giant has fallen
Just as way said goodbye to Mama Winnie, we hear Dr Zola Skweyiya has left us. Another giant has fallen just three days before his birthday.
He was a thinker and a man… https://t.co/OPHwMEPgtZ
— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) April 11, 2018
The pain is now unbearable! Go well my Leader and Caring Father of the Weak, Poor and Vulnerable Citizens! RIP Cde Zola Skweyiya! pic.twitter.com/LN1x3oEEWm
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) April 11, 2018
It is with a deep sense of loss that I wish to pass condolences on behalf of @thedpsa and all public servants to the first Democratic Minister of Public Service and Administration Mr Zola Skweyiya.
Farewell thou good and faithful public servant. pic.twitter.com/2fRe4WxcZ7— Ayanda Dlodlo (@MinAyandaDlodlo) April 11, 2018