The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape is saddened by the passing away of former Agriculture MEC in the Eastern Cape, Comrade Max Mamase . Comrade Max Mamase who has not been well for some time sadly succumbed to his illness in the morning of Monday,15 June 2020.
Bhuti Max as he was affectionately called, served as Secretary of the Zwide Ruby Union(ZWIRU) with Amon Nyondo as President and played a critical role in the unity talks with the Kwazakhele Rugby Union (KWARU) . He also played a pivotal role in the formation of National Sport Congress( NSC).
He worked with Cde Rory Riordan of Human Rights Trust whilst he was a Co-Director at IDASA. Whilst a Co-Director of IDASA, Comrade Max Mamase created a platform for the white community groups to have direct access to ANC in exile. He organized the famous IDASA Conference entitled “One City, One Municipality – A Critical Appraisal” in Port Elizabeth which paved the way for the establishment of Port Elizabeth Transitional Council (PE TLC) with its first black Mayor Nceba Faku. He also played an instrumental role in the birth of the South African National Civic Organization (SANCO) and its Inaugural Conference which was held in the Eastern Cape where he was elected into its National Executive Committee.
Cde Max Mamase served in the former old Eastern Cape Region where he served with the likes of Cde Linda Mti, Cde Gugile Nkwinti, Cde Bongani Gxilishe and Mxolisi Gawe. He had contributed immensely to building a new South Africa in all the areas in which he had been deployed in his working life.
He became a member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in 1994 and immediately assumed the position of MEC of Local Government under the Premiership of the late Raymond Mhlaba. In 1999 he was appointed as MEC of Agriculture , a post he held until 2008.
Comrade Mamase answered the clarion call of former President Thabo Mbeki for the establishment of anchor projects in the country. He championed the Hemp project on a national scale and established the current successful Ncera Macadamia Project, Katberg tobacco project, Protea project in Hankey and many others. He unflinchingly championed the B-BBEE concept with projects that addressed economic transformation.
We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Mamase family, relatives and friends. May his soul rest in peace.
Issued by :
ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Communications
Enquiries :
Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
Mobile No :0848439706/0849519924
