Press Statement By
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP
President Of The Inkatha Freedom Party
I am saddened by the news of the passing of former Minister Makhenkesi Stofile. My condolences and those of the IFP go to the family and to the party he served with such commitment.
I had the privilege of serving in our first democratic Parliament with the Hon. Rev. Stofile. We entered the Government of National Unity in 1994 determined to serve our country and strengthen our fledgling democracy. He served as Chief Whip of the ANC while I was Minister of Home Affairs, and we worked well together as colleagues in the National Assembly.
When President Mbeki appointed him as Minister of Sports and Recreation in 2004, I congratulated him, knowing that his experience in governance, as Premier of the Eastern Cape, would stand him in good stead. His was well-educated and a man of faith. It therefore didn’t surprise me that he continued to distinguish himself after leaving Cabinet, in the international arena.
Reverend Stofile fulfilled his commitment to serve South Africa. Our nation owes him a debt of gratitude. He will be remembered as one of that first generation of democratic leaders, who fought to protect all that we had gained.
I extend my sympathies to the many who will mourn this loss. May our former Minister rest in peace.