PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deepest condolences at the death of liberation struggle veteran and former Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) president Dr Ernest “Motsoko” Pheko.
Dr Pheko passed away on Friday, 19 April 2024, at the age of 93.
Ramaphosa extended his condolences to Dr Pheko's family, comrades and associates at home and abroad. Dr Pheko served as a PAC representative to the United Nations and as a member of Parliament during his distinguished political career.
“With the passing of Motsoko Pheko, we are grateful for the long lifetime that this son of Lesotho was a champion of our liberation struggle and fought for the rights of the dispossessed and landless who had endured colonialism and apartheid.
“His diverse qualifications and interests made Motsoko Pheko an invaluable contributor to the human development and intellectual heritage of our nation and continent, whose concerns and achievements were uppermost in his consciousness and activism,” Ramaphosa said.
He said that as they observe 30 years of freedom, they honour all the personalities and political traditions that have brought about the state "we live in today and to whom we remain indebted".
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“May Motsoko Pheko rest in peace,” he said.
President of the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), Ace Magashule, also expressed his condolences to the family.
He said it was with a heavy heart that he learnt of the passing of one of the iconic leaders of South African liberation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Pheko and PAC on the passing of the liberation legend. Dr Pheko steadfastly upheld the principles and values of the liberation movement and never compromised the interests of his people to secure a position of power.
“Dr Pheko will be remembered as a courageous leader who was a strong advocate for South African independence during his time at the United Nations,” he said.
The African National Congress (ANC) said Pheko’s legacy as an esteemed academic and passionate advocate for African unity will continue to inspire future generations.
ANC spokeswoman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said Dr Pheko's unwavering commitment to the principles of freedom and human dignity resonated deeply with the values on which our democracy is founded.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Pheko family, the members of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) and all South Africans. May the memory of Dr Motsoko Pheko be a beacon of hope and remind us that the strength of the human spirit is unwavering despite adversity,” she said.
