Dlamini-Zuma on Friday virtually delivered a tribute to Gordon Kegakilwe who passed away from a cardiac arrest due to coronavirus complications at a Klerksdorp Hospital on Monday. 

She says Kegakilwe, who is amongst at least 36 people who died due to Covid-19 complications in the province, worked until his last breath to save lives. Dlamini-Zuma further says to honour the memory of Kegakilwe is to fulfil the objectives of the ANC for equitable and Just-society where no citizen knows hunger, poverty and ignorance.

“In honouring him we must also redouble our efforts in the fight against Covid-19. In advancing the fight we must all make the necessary sacrifices and play our part, we must protect ourselves and protect one another by wearing a mask (because by doing so) you protect yourself and others from possible infection, (we must also) maintaining a safe social distance, (because you will be ) lessening the chance of being infected or infecting someone else. We must all play our part because no-one is safe until we are all safe,” she adds.  

Dlamini-Zuma also sent her message of condolences to the wife and family of the MEC. “We are consoled by the fact that MEC Kegakilwe was a hero and he has now joined the galaxy of our heroes,” she further adds. Kegakilwe will be laid to rest in Vryburg through a provincial official funeral category 1 after President Cyril Ramaphosa granted him one and also ordered that the national flag fly at half-mast.

He was admitted with Covid-19 pneumonia on Sunday at the Vryburg Private Hospital and later on Monday transported to a medical facility in Klerksdorp where he died after several attempts to resuscitate him failed. The late MEC’s funeral service was broadcast on different media platforms, including live streaming on the office of the premier's Facebook page.

Messages of condolences poured in this week for the family and friends of Kegakilwe. The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance, Water and Sanitation, China Dodovu, was amongst those who expressed their sadness at the passing of the MEC for Cooperative Governance.

The ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP) also expressed shock and sadness at the passing of the MEC. Both parties described him as a loyal servant and son of the soil who was loyal to the course of his people in the province and South Africa.

 OFM News