The African National Congress (ANC) mourns the untimely passing of Comrade Ignatius Jacobs. His death marks the end of a revolutionary life that was dedicated to the freedom of the people of South Africa. The ANC family, its alliance partners and the rest of the country are devastated by the passing of one of its most loyal and dedicated servants.
The former General Manager of the ANC at Luthuli House, Comrade Ignatius joined the ANC at a time when it was extremely dangerous to do so and when personal rewards were unheard of. A fearless cadre who belonged to the young lions generation of the 1980s and an underground operative of Umkhonto weSizwe, Comrade Ignatius served the ANC and the alliance with selfless dedication throughout his life.
He was an activist of UDF-affliate, Azanian Student Organisation (AZASO), ANC Youth League Treasurer General, member of Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and Gauteng SACP PEC member. He served in the Gauteng provincial government as MEC for Education, Social Development and Transport, among many revolutionary responsibilities that were placed on his shoulders.
His revolutionary path is worthy of emulation by young cadres and future generations. The people of our country will treasure his memory as one of our most distinguished sons who consciously chose to fight a cruel and inhumane system at a time when it was extremely dangerous to do so. Even up to his last day, he placed his life and service in the hands of the ANC and the people of his country.
Death has robbed the people of South Africa of one of its finest sons who valued the freedom of his people more than his own life and personal comfort. We salute him for his unwavering and steadfast commitment to serve selflessly and with humility. We commit to continue to celebrate his life and leadership and preserve his legacy for future generations to learn from him.
Those in our country who are committed to the vision of a better life for all will sorely miss his passion and commitment to serve the poor. He dedicated his life to the goal of building a non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa.
To the family, we wish to say: We are with you in your hour of pain and darkness. Your pain is our pain. We hope you will find solace in the knowledge that you are not the only ones who have lost a loved one. Indeed, the whole country and the entire democratic movement lost a dedicated and loyal servant. You must find comfort in the knowledge that his life touched and influenced so many of us. We wish you strength and fortitude in your moment of grief and pain.
The best tribute we can pay to him is to continue to work tirelessly in pursuit of the kind of society to which he dedicated most of his life. In his memory, let us continue to work for the unity and renewal of the ANC. Let us work tirelessly towards expanding access to a better life for all. Let us pursue these critical tasks with every fibre of our being and every ounce of our energy. This will be a fitting tribute to this revolutionary who dedicated his entire life to these ideals.
The family has requested that, in compliance with the Lockdown restrictions, as announced by President Ramaphosa, that visits to the house be restricted.
Unfortunately, due to the restrictions, only the immediate family of Comrade Ignatius Jacobs will be allowed at the funeral. A memorial service in honor of our fallen comrade, involving the ANC and Mass Democratic formations will be held after the Lockdown. Messages of support can be send to family Spokesperson and Brother Lawrence Jacobs on 083 256 8352
Comrade Ignatius is survived and deeply mourned by his wife, Amelia, his children Olivia, Kaylene and Ernesto and by his extended family, comrades and friends.
May his revolutionary soul rest in power! A cadre until his last breath!
END
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Enquiries:
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975
