SACP, ANC in Gauteng visit Mamoepa's home to pay their respects

Mamoepa, who was Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson, also served time on Robben Island from the age of 15 as a political prisoner. He died at the weekend.

Gauteng Finance MEC Barbara Creecy arriving at the home of Ronnie Mamoepa on 24 July 2017. Picture: Masa Kekana/EWN

Masa Kekana | 7 days ago

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Communist Party (SACP) and African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng have visited Ronnie Mamoepa's home in Centurion, paying their respects to what they call the communications giant.

He died at the weekend after he was hospitalised last month.

Mamoepa, who was Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson also served time on Robben Island from the age of 15 as a political prisoner.

A string of government officials and old friends have visited the Mamoepa home in Centurion on Monday afternoon, paying their respects to the family.

SACP General Secretary Blade Nzimande says he was shocked to hear of Mamoepa's passing.

Reflecting on how Mamoepa supported him when Nzimande's mom passed away a short while ago, he said: "I was shocked almost in the same way as when I heard on 19 June that Ronnie was in hospital, collapsed, and couldn't speak. Having been with him on the 15th, and he was as bubbly as ever."

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Nzimande says Mamoepa has inspired a new generation of communicators.

"Some of the younger communicators went through his own hands and they must've learned something. I think Ronnie's example is worth studying very closely by all communicators in government and outside as to how you go about doing your job."

At the same time, ANC Gauteng Chairperson Paul Mashatile says he is saddened to lose a cadre such as Mamoepa who was dedicated and served his country with honour.

The family is expected to make official announcements of a memorial service soon.

http://ewn.co.za/2017/07/24/sacp-anc-in-gauteng-visit-mamoepa-s-home-to-...