Gauteng premier David Makhura has offered his office’s condolences to the family of Thabo Masebe, who was the acting director-general in the premier’s office at the time of his death on Monday.
Said Makhura: “Masebe was a loyal and committed servant of the people who dedicated his time to transforming the provincial communications services and the overall improvement of the public service in the provincial government in his capacity as the acting director-general over the past few months.
“Masebe was a multi-skilled communicator with over 20 years’ experience in the public service, an activist who committed his life to serving the people of South Africa and humanity.”
Before his appointment as the head of communications in the Gauteng provincial government, Masebe worked at the Presidency as the spokesperson for former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe.
During his tenure, he was also responsible for managing the communications directorate in the private office of Motlanthe.
“In all the roles he has served in, he placed the wellbeing of the people above everything else. He was a true servant of the people. Masebe was a meticulous public servant with a wealth of knowledge. He was dependable and executed all his duties with diligence, precision, and competency.
“The Gauteng provincial government is poorer without Masebe. We are grateful to the Masebe family for allowing him to share his selfless spirit of activism with us and for the outstanding contribution to bettering the lives of the people of Gauteng,” said Makhura.
Masebe’s passing has been widely described as a great loss, with former CEO of the Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) Themba Maseko saying he has lost a friend, brother, and fellow communicator.
Maseko tweeted: “You left too soon my brother. You ran a good race, served with unequalled integrity. You’ll be missed. Condolences to your family.”
GCIS director-general Phumla Williams said Masebe was a wonderful and dedicated government communicator. “Thabo, thank you for serving this country,” said Williams.
See more reactions:
Farewell Acting Director General ‘Bra T’ Thabo Masebe
A sad loss to the Gauteng Province, Gauteng Deputy Director General – Communications & Acting Director General. It has been an honour to be under your steward leadership. Farewell 🕊🇿🇦#RIPThaboMasebe pic.twitter.com/2cF9vcRlwz
— Kutlwano Huma (@HumaHumas_) April 18, 2022
Really sad to read that Thabo Masebe passed away yesterday. He was one of the last of a generation of activists who combined political acumen with communication skills, underpinned by organizational loyalty and discipline. A role model for public communicators. #RIPThaboMasebe pic.twitter.com/n97HvbiJbB
— Chris Vick (@chrisvick3) April 19, 2022
There are very few Government communicators like Mr Thabo Masebe. He never ever lost his cool even when the media asked tough questions, never deflected, knew that Government was to account to people. His job was a tough one but he did it par excellence! pic.twitter.com/pwnRNYzc4a
— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) April 18, 2022
Thabo Masebe was a meticulous public servant with a wealth of knowledge. He was dependable & ethical. Thank you to the Masebe family for allowing him to share his selfless spirit of activism with us & his outstanding contribution in bettering the lives of the people of Gauteng. pic.twitter.com/EqXMlK5XS0
— David Makhura (@David_Makhura) April 18, 2022
Just learned that a friend, brother, fellow communicator and dear comrade of mine, Thabo Masebe, has passed. Just sad and heartbroken. You left too soon my brother. You ran a good race, served with unequalled integrity. You’ll be missed. Condolences to your family.💔💔💔✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/LeuznT54cx
— Professor Themba Maseko (@MasekoThembaJ) April 18, 2022
Sad to hear of the death of Thabo Masebe. He was one of the best communicators while at GCIS and even in the Presidency. Thabo also headed comms at Gauteng Govt before being appointed acting DG. He will be missed. @GautengProvince @David_Makhura @GovernmentZA @PresidencyZA pic.twitter.com/Jhe9uGwLlo
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 18, 2022
Bathong abuti Thabo Masebe 💔😢 rest in peace. Truly such sad news. Thank you for availing yourself to speak to the media.
Deepest condolences to the Masebe family. pic.twitter.com/X1dS8mzqlJ— Tshegohaco Moagi (@TshegoMoagi_) April 18, 2022
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