A wave of tributes has swept across the Free State following the passing of former ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member, Thembeni "Skully" Nxangisa.
Political leaders, comrades and community members continue to remember him as a fearless servant of the people whose lifelong commitment to the struggle for freedom and public service left an enduring mark on the province and the nation.
Nxangisa, a former member of the Free State Provincial Legislature and MEC, died on Thursday in the presence of his family and friends following a long illness.
Skully, as he was known by his comrades and friends, joined politics in 1982, where he served in youth structures and was later tasked with championing the ideological grounding of the ANC's Political Education Programme.
ANC spokesperson Thabo Meeko described Skully as a true ANC member who remained loyal to the people.
"His loyalty to the people defined his unwavering commitment to the mission of the ANC in liberating Africans in particular and Black people in general," said Meeko. "A lifelong political activist and servant of the people, his involvement in ANC activities began during youth activism against apartheid tyranny. A product of the people's struggle, Cde Thembeni rose through the ranks and was entrusted with leading critical organisational responsibilities, which he performed with distinction."
Apart from serving the ruling party in various capacities and contributing to the strategic direction and renewal of the organisation, Nxangisa served the people of the Free State as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) from May 2019 until October 2021, and subsequently as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development until March 2023.
He was elected to the Free State Provincial Legislature in May 2019.
In these roles, he worked tirelessly to improve municipal governance, support traditional institutions, and revitalise the agricultural sector, always with a special focus on empowering young people and advancing food security.
"The ANC Free State extends its deepest condolences to the Nxangisa family, his comrades, friends, and all who were touched by his life and work. We have lost a dedicated cadre, a selfless public servant, and a passionate advocate for the youth and the poor," said Meeko.
Former ANC Provincial Secretary William Bulwane, a close friend of the late Nxangisa and the family's spokesperson, said details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
