Former Minister of Labour, Membathisi Mdladlana (72), has passed away. The news of his passing was confirmed by his nephew to SABC news this afternoon. His passing comes a week after the death of former Minister of Finance and Governor of the Reserve Bank, Tito Mboweni, who will be laid to rest tomorrow in Limpopo.

A DEDICATED TEACHER

Mdladlana was the Minister of Labour from July 1998 to 2009. He was a teacher by profession and is said to have been passionate about teaching till his very last breath. Confirming the news of his passing, Mdladlana's nephew ,Mayibuye Sokupa, said the former minister loved teaching. "He dedicated himself back to assisting with teaching programmes that assisted children who were struggling and needed extra lessons. We all know that before he occupied office as a minister, he was the first president of Sadtu. So, teaching remained very important to him," he said.

A GREAT MAN

Also speaking to the SABC, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described Mdladlana and echoed what Mdladlana's nephew said about his uncle being passionate about educating others. "All of these responsibilities that were bestowed on him are a testament to the caliber of this great son of South Africa, as well as our esteemed veteran in the ANC. We are saddened and our hearts go out to his family." Mdladlana also served as the South African High Commissioner to Burundi.