The ANC in the Eastern Cape is saddened by the passing of Comrade Malibongwe Yokwe, a former Cosas and ANCYL leader, development activist and a judicious administrator who passed away on Friday 26 January 2018 after a short illness.
Malibongwe will be remembered among other things as a discerning young activist who in the 1980s, responded to the then banned ANC’s call to make the country ungovernable in the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.
He carried his passion for serving the people over to his various professional roles which include Community Mediator with IMMSA in the mid 1990s and later, CEO of the Port St John’s Development Agency.
As an official of the Uitenhage Despatch Development Initiative (UDDI) he was part of the team that pioneered the establishment of the Logistics Park which now employs more than 500 people and is a catalyst of development and investment in the area.
He was also instrumental in producing the investment, development and marketing strategies of the Eastern Cape Province while working for CIMEC. At ECSSEC, he was part of the team that was responsible for the conceptualisation and implementation of the Integrated Wild Coast Development Program.
He has also served as a Director in the Boards of the Magwa Tea Corporation, National Hemp Foundation, Fort Hare Institute of Governance and in the Council of the Midlands Technical College.
Speaking about the loss, ANC Provincial Chairperson, Cde Oscar Mabuyane said, “on behalf of the ANC in the Eastern Cape and on my own behalf, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Yokwe family on the passing of Malibongwe”.
Through his passing, the ANC and the people of South Africa have lost a great fountain of knowledge, a foremost organic intellectual, a struggle giant, a humble revolutionary and a selfless warrior.
His commitment to the liberation of our people had been his obsession which accounted for his unquestionably and undivided contribution.
We dip our revolutionary banner in honour of this outstanding revolutionary. As the ANC in the Eastern Cape, would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends at this difficult moment.
We also say to the family please find comfort on 2 Timothy 4: 6-8 thus read “The time has come for my departure I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”
His spirit and legacy will live on.
Malibongwe was 47 years old at the time of his passing. He leaves behind his wife Lelethu and two children, Lubabalo and Siphesihle.
May his soul rest in peace and enrich the current process of renewal of the ANC
His memorial service will take place at 17h00 at Arthur Wellington Methodist Church on Wednesday 31 January and the funeral at 09h00 at Nangoza Jebe Hall on Friday 02 February 2018.
Issued by:
ANC EC Communications
Enquiries:
ANC EC Media & Liaison Officer
Judy Mpetsheni
Mobile No: 0636878267/0731176194
Email:judy.ngoloyi@gmail.com
ANC EC Communications Manager
Gift Ngqondi
0848439706
