ANC EASTERN CAPE statement on the passing of Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile

It is with deep sadness that the ANC in the province sends its sincere condolences to the Stofile family for the loss of their beloved son Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile. We also extend our condolences to the Methodist Church of Southern Africa where he served and the people of the province as a whole.

Comrade Stofile has served as ANC Treasurer General, the ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson, the Chief Whip of National Parliament, Premier of the Eastern Cape, Minister of Sports, South Africa’s Ambassador to Germany and at the time of his passing he was the Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare.

This long list of accolades indicates that we have really lost a giant and indeed one of the many legends produced by our Province. The untimely death of leaders like Cde Stofile reveals to us the need to always treasure those who made selfless contribution to the liberation struggle that produced the freedom and democracy we enjoy today by remaining true to the principles, values that defined the character of their struggles so that we protect the gains of their sacrifices.

We are hurt by the reality that recently we sent condolences to the Stofile family when his brother, Comrade Mike died and now, months away from that we send condolences concerning Comrade Reverend Stofile.

Reverend Stofile was what we could describe as a well-rounded and complete cadre of the movement, he was an academic, an astute intellectual who has served the ANC in different capacities. He was a dedicated sports activist who since his UDF days to his days as the Minister of Sport was at the forefront fighting for transformation of sport in this country so that all our young people can have equal opportunities to represent their country.

Young black athletes like Wayde Van Niekerk, Caster Semenya, Akani Simbine, Anaso Jobodwana, Luvo Manyonga competing in the Rio Olympics wouldn’t be competing there were it not for the struggles waged by Comrades like Stofile that fought for transformation, which must be continued until it is fully attained.

The loss of Comrade Reverend Stofile’s life is not only a loss to his family, his wife, children, siblings, broader Stofile family, it is a loss to the people of this province and the people of this country.

All ANC flags in the province will be flown at half-mast in mourning the demise of this great giant who sacrificed a lot for the people of this province and the country at large.
NB: This statement must be attributed to the ANC Provincial Secretary, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane

For more information please contact ANC Eastern Cape Acting Communications Officer Judy Ngoloyi on 073 117 6194. Email: judy.ngoloyi@gmail.com