South African government minister Jackson Mthembu died of COVID-19 on Thursday (January 21).

The news was announced on social media by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"It is with deep sorrow and shock that we announce that Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu passed away earlier today from COVID-related complications. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss," President Ramaphosa tweeted.

File footage shows Mthembu with his wife, Thembi, at the State of the Nation Address red carpet in February 2019.

Jackson Mthembu, the South African Minister in the Presidency, died as a result of Covid 19 complications today. The news of his passing was announced on the social media platforms of the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa today.

Here he is seen with his wife, Thembi, on the SONA red carpet on 7 February 2019.

Mthembu previously served as the Chief Whip of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa’s parliament. He also did a stint as national spokesman of the ANC.

Mthembu has been fondly remembered by journalists and fellow politicians on social media. He had just celebrated his 63rd birthday.