A South African Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, has died from COVID-19 related complications.

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed his death on Thursday as he mourned the minister

This is coming days after Mthembu went into self-isolation after contracting COVID-19.

Ramaphosa said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss.

According to the President, the late Minister Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist and a life-long champion of freedom and democracy.

He noted that Mthembu’s death means a lot to the country as the deceased was loved and greatly respected.

Ramaphosa sent a message of condolences to Mthembu’s family, friends and colleagues.

Mthembu had served as the Whip of Parliament for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the national spokesperson for the ANC before appointment as a minister.