“Today I visited the military hospital in Tshwane to get medical attention for abdominal pain. After undergoing tests, I tested positive for Covid 19. Plans are afoot to get all my family members and close associates tested as well,” he said.
At the time of his death, he was at the forefront of the government’s fight against the coronavirus, which is wreaking havoc in the country. Mthembu was responsible for communicating the government’s messages in the fight against the pandemic.
On social media, politicians, including DA leader John Steenhuisen, Gauteng education MEC Lesufi Panyaza and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba paid their tributes.