President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences on the death of South Africa’s ambassador to Cuba, John Nkadimeng.
The former ANC member died on August 6 at the age of 93.
He was buried on Friday at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.
Nkadimeng is survived by his wife, Evelyn Dipakeng Moeketsi, six children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“With the passing of Ntate Nkadimeng, yet another light in a glorious generation has been extinguished.”
“He suffered for the freedoms that we enjoy today. He sacrificed, he fought, he led, and he was led,” said Ramaphosa in a eulogy.
Nkadimeng was one of the 156 activists who were detained and charged with treason during the Defiance Campaign of 1952.
Nkadimeng, joined the ANC in 1950, served on the party’s political and military council and also served as chairman of the ANC’s political committee.
Ramaphosa also addressed the public that during this period of the pandemic in the country, everyone should “draw on the spirit of Ntate Nkadimeng” in order to rebuild the economy.
“More than that, we must transform our economy so that it resembles less of where we were before the pandemic and more of where we want to be.
“We must ensure that the world of work which emerges from this crisis is one in which the conditions of workers are dramatically improved in all respects,” said Ramaphosa.
The president also added that praising veterans is not enough.
“It is only by restoring that culture of selflessness, integrity, ethical leadership and service to the people that we will uphold their legacy,” he said.
Watch video of his burial below:
