22 January 2021

Stats SA mourns the passing of Minister Jackson Mthembu

The news of the untimely passing of Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, has brought grief and profound sadness at Stats SA.

Minister Mthembu took over responsibility for Stats SA, among other departments, after being appointed as Minister in the Presidency after the May 2019 national elections.

Minister Mthembu was immediately at home in the world of statistics and understood our business very well and often shared his advice and insight with us.  Whenever he could, Minister Mthembu reminded us that “official statistics represent a reality about our people, the places they inhabit and endless potential and possibilities that exist for them.”

The loss of Minister Mthembu is a massive body blow to Stats SA and his COVID-19 related death has robbed the entire system of national statistics of his compassionate, dedicated, all-encompassing leadership at a critical time as we are preparing for Census 2021 and to continue to deliver on our other deliverables.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Hamba kahle Mvelase, Mthembu, Qhudeni, Mnisi we mvula ilanga libalele.

We thank you for championing the work of the national statistics office and it was always reassuring to hear you Mvelase encouraging us to maintain our independence in the collection, processing and dissemination of statistics.

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Issued by Statistics South Africa