Health minister Zweli Mkhize has paid tribute to the chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes, Prof Lungile Pepeta, who succumbed to Covid-19 related complications last week.
Pepeta assumed the position in June after the death of the former chairperson, Dr Clarence Mini, in May, who also died from Covid-19.
“SA has lost one of her best sons — confident, knowledgeable, articulate and inspiring … one of the top thinkers, a brilliant mind, an outstanding academic and a pioneering researcher.
“He was a visionary who held high hopes for our country and an innovator who always harboured dreams of a better SA and spent time figuring out strategies to take this nation to the future of his ideals,” Mkhize said.
He also sent his condolences to Pepeta’s family, colleagues and patients.
“May the memories of his contribution to mankind console you as we adjust to life without him. May it comfort you to know that we share in your grief,” Mkhize said.
Pepeta was given a category 2 special official provincial funeral on Wednesday. He was buried in Bizana.
Eastern Cape officials including health MEC Sindiswa Gomba, premier Oscar Mabuyane, Muthwa and various colleagues in the health fraternity attended his funeral.
Pepeta was described as “a seasoned health specialist and academic”.
