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Steve Vukile Tshwete was an angry, yet determined, young man when the apartheid government tried to restrict his club to playing rugby along racial lines. As a member of Spring Rose Rugby Football Club, he was determined to play rugby on his own conditions - they played matches on an open field with no posts. He was not prepared to be party to his own oppression.

When he was incarcerated on Robben Island in March 1964, he could not play his beloved sport for eight years. It was only in 1972 that rugby was started on the island. A playing field was built within the prison yard and prisoners could only play "touch rugby" at first. But soon full contact rugby was played, much to the delight of Tshwete. He produced a constitution of 19 pages for the rugby club formed on the Island and also took over the role of journalist, meticulously recording results of matches.

"We built our own facility, complete with beautiful green turf. We discovered a hidden tap that we would leave running overnight. The prison authorities could never work out how we managed to develop such a lush field".

While on the Island, he was President of the Island Rugby Board, President of the Island Amateur Athletics Association, Vice-Chairperson of the Dynaspurs Football Club and Chairperson of the Ikwezi Rugby Football Club.

Both in exile and on his return home, Tshwete was a key figure, alongside President Thabo Mbeki in driving the unification of South African sport. Barbara Masekela provided able support to Tshwete who was Head of the ANC Sports Desk in the move to convince those involved in sport to adopt the ANC position of supporting the emergence of the non-racial, democratic sports structure.

"We resolved that if non-racial democratic sport was going to take its place in the international community, we felt we must eat into the body of racist sport to weaken it."

At the inaugural launch of the NSC at Langa, Cape Town in May 1990, Tshwete delivered the keynote address in which he urged the sports movement to "not only ask sponsors for financial aid, but (to) try to make them active partners in the process of transforming sport."

During the unity process that followed, Tshwete was the voice of reason amidst a sea of anger, distrust and frequent stalemates. His interventions ensured that some semblance of rationality always won through, resulting in the formation of single sports controlling bodies for the first time in the history of our country.

It was Tshwete who persuaded the ICC to admit South Africa to international cricket by eloquently pronouncing at the time "South African cricket is an embryo that needs oxygen to grow. To suffocate it now would be terrible." He was also instrumental in clearing the way for our admission to the Olympic Games and in a conciliatory gesture, supported rugby test matches against the All Blacks and the Wallabies.

When this goodwill was abused with the playing of the apartheid national anthem at Ellis Park, he could so easily have driven rugby back into the international wilderness. Instead, in statesmanlike fashion, he proclaimed, "Verwoerd will not be allowed to rule this nation from his grave." Rugby heeded the warning and there was no repeat of this deliberate attempt to scupper unity in rugby.

If ever, the title of "Mr Fixit" was appropriate, it was for Tshwete, the mediator, the facilitator, the master of political acumen, the rugby-lover, the sports hero of our country.

It was only logical that Tshwete should be appointed the first Minister of Sport and Recreation of democratic South Africa. It is no exaggeration to describe him as the father of transformation in sport in South Africa. He earned many accolades for his decisive leadership in sport, including being decorated by President Thabo Mbeki with a Presidential Sports Award earlier this year.

But the greatest tribute that can be paid to Bra Steve is when transformation has finally ensured that the doors of sport and recreation are truly open to all South Africans.
HAMBA KAHLE, comrade Steve.

MESSAGE FROM MINISTER BMN BALFOUR, MP

My big brother, my mentor, my colleague is no more with us. But his legacy will remain forever. Thangana's departure leaves me with an emptiness that is difficult to come to terms with.

However, my resolve to ensure that the job he started in sport continues, is now even stronger. My commitment to the ideals that he espoused for South African sport remains steadfast. Rest well, Bra Steve. Those you schooled in the politics of sport will not let the side down.

PROF DENVER HENDRICKS: HEAD OF SPORT AND RECREATION SOUTH AFRICA

I first met Minister Steve Tshwete when I joined the Department of Sport and Recreation in 1997, although I knew of him through the sterling work he was doing in uniting the racially segregated sports bodies before and after the appointment of the first democratic government in South Africa. I was immediately struck by his calm disposition in addressing very complex issues between adversaries, sometimes on the same side of the political divide. He was always sharp and decisive, but had the knack of taking people on opposite sides of the table along with him. Steve Tshwete laid a sound foundation, which makes our work in sport and recreation much easier today and allows us to take the country to new heights in the institution. Our ultimate success in consolidating unity and transformation, and achieving success in creating opportunities for all South Africans to participate in sport and recreation, as well as success internationally, will be the ultimate rewards of his unselfish toil. We are duty bound to accomplish that in honour of him.

MR GIDEON SAM: CHAIRPERSON - SOUTH AFRICAN SPORTS COMMISSION & PRESIDENT OF SWIMMING SOUTH AFRICA:

"The untimely death of Minister Steve Tshwete has left the sporting community in South Africa speechless. We will remember him for his forth-rightness and the way he kept us together when we could so easily have torn each other apart. He taught us that the most important value in life is tolerance and with that we could climb the highest mountains, even with our enemies. May we never forget what he taught us as we continue to build on the foundations he laid for South African sport, let us respect what he lived and fought for."

MR SAM RAMSAMY: PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF SOUTH AFRICA

"Steve Tshwete and I have known one another since the days of exile when, together with President Mbeki, Barbara Masekela and Essop Pahad, we tried to formulate a strategy for non-racial sport after apartheid. Our memories of his activities will forever linger in perpetuity - meetings in Harare and Gaborone for forming united sports bodies, persuading sports organisations to take a moderate stance in the unity process, overcoming the Boipatong Massacre, preparing our team for the Barcelona Olympics and our Cape Town Olympic Bid. I named him "Mr Fixit" and the name stood."

MR PETER GOLDHAWK: PRESIDENT OF DISABILITY SPORT SOUTH AFRICA

"The disabled sports community mourns the passing of a great and true friend. Steve Tshwete had a clear understanding of the sports needs of people with disabilities and actively supported us in all our initiatives to take our rightful place in the South African and international sports arenas".

DR AWOTURE ELEYAE: SECREATARY-GENERAL SUPREME COUNCIL FOR SPORT IN AFRICA

"The news about Hon. Steve Tshwete's death came to the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa as a "bad dream", and the question on every staff's lips was "why do bad things happen to good people".

Hon. Steve Tshwete was the President-in-Office of the SCSA from November 1998 to June 1999. During his short tenure, he found time to visit the Secretariat General of the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa in Yaounde, Cameroon. He truly identified with the problems and aspirations of the SCSA.
Africa has, indeed, lost a true Pan-Africanist.

SULTAN IBRAHIM MBOBO NJOYA: HONORARY LIFE PRESIDENT OF THE SCSA:

"The sad news of the sudden death of Hon. Steve Vukile Tshwete was like a thunderbolt. The shock was so deafening.

In my capacity as the Honorary Life President of the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa, I have been apportuned to work with many SCSA Presidents-in-Office. Without any fear of contradiction, I say boldly and loudly that Hon. Steve Vukile Tshwete was the BEST President-in-Office that the SCSA ever had. His dedication to the aspirations of the Council was unequivocal. The African Sport Movement, and, indeed, the entire African Continent, has lost a great Pan-Africanist." "MAY THE SOUL OF THIS WORTHY SON OF AFRICA REST IN PEACE."

MR DAVID RUTHERFORD: CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION

"Please accept our condolences for the passing of Steve Tshwete. Could you also please pass the condolences of our President and Board to his family. His passing is a sad loss for South Africa. He had tremendous involvement at all levels of rugby and will be a difficult man to replace. His loss is also a sad one for New Zealand rugby because, as you know, he played a very significant role in bringing the players of our two countries back together on the playing field.

Minister Tshwete had many friends among New Zealand rugby people, particularly our former NZRFU Council members, and will be remembered for his love of the game."

MS NTAMBI RAVELE: PRESIDENT OF NETBALL SOUTH AFRICA

"Minister Tshwete showed his commitment to the development and empowerment of women in many ways. He showed his concern and even pushed for unity within netball. Even after unity, he still complained about the lack of transformation in netball and approved that a Netball Task Team be appointed to look into the transformation in the sport. It is because of his effort that we see netball with a new leadership today.

Minister Tshwete initiated the formation of the Steering Council on Women and Sport South Africa and the Committee would report to him directly on women empowerment programs. Almost all sporting codes now have women participants and decision makers at all levels."

MR DUMILE MATEZA: CEO OF BOXING SOUTH AFRICA

"Boxing in South Africa is entering a new era. Tangana, you did the pioneering work. We have you to thank for the vision. Boxing South Africa extends heartfelt condolences to the Tshwete family."
"HAMBA KAHLE TANGANA, KRILA."

ADV. PERCY SONN: PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED CRICKET BOARD OF SOUTH AFRICA (UCB)

The United Cricket Board of SA pays tribute to Stephen Vukile Tshwete for the pioneer work he did in the struggle to successfully unite cricket in South Africa. He played a major role in the acceptance by the International Cricket Council of the UCB as a member on June 10 1991. This membership allowed cricket to become the first sport to represent the new democratic South Africa. His example was a shining light in the process of reconciliation, development and nation building undertaken by the UCB.

CEO OF ATHLETICS SOUTH AFRICA: MR BANELE SINDANE

"When ASA was launched in Bellville Minister Steve Tshwete was present. That alone ensured the success of unity. Athletics owes much to Min Steve Tshwete"

MOLEFI OLIPHANT: PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (SAFA)

SAFA is grateful to the almighty for the life of Steve Vukile Tshwete. The commitment and dedication with which he executed his mandate in the unification and restructuring of football remain unparalleled. May his spirit strengthen the resultant football unity and culture, towards the realization of any unfinished processes?

RIAN OBELHOLZER: MD OF SA RUGBY PTY, LTD

" It is a sad day for our country. He played a major role in bringing the Rugby World Cup to South Africa in 1995. All of Rugby mourns his dearth"

MR VUSI MGOBHOZI: PRESIDENT - BASKETBALL SOUTH AFRICA

"Comrade Tshwete is no more. His works will never be forgotten. We will all attempt to do what he expected from us. Vukile was characterised by triad of virtues viz. firmness, assertiveness and honesty, which are rarely seen together". "MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE"

MR CHARLES SMITH: PRESIDENT - SOUTH AFRICAN HOCKEY ASSOCIATION:

"The South African Hockey Association consoles itself during this sad period with the passing of Minister Steve Tshwete with the knowledge that this son of South Africa leaves behind a proud legacy for the sportspeople and the youth of our country. The results of his hard work to unite South Africans across the sporting front are being hailed as one of the greatest achievements in our young democracy. Sport is indeed indebted to the memory of Minister Steve Tshwete."

DR ISMAIL JAKOET: EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN - SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE FOR DRUG-FREE SPORT:

As you are well aware, the Institute came about as a direct result of his vision for a fair and level playing field and the achievement of excellence in sport through ability, self-discipline and sheer hard work. South African sport owes a tremendous debt of graduate to Minister Tshwete for the high standards and goals he set during his tenure as Minister of Sport and Recreation.

MORNE DU PLESSIS: MANAGER OF THE WORLD CUP 1995 RUGBY TEAM:

"Minister Tshwete was a great sportsman. He loved all sports, but in particular I think he had a great love for rugby. His support and guidance went a long way to making the World Cup 1995 campaign as successful as it was. His life and his work for South Africa was a true embodiment of the mission of the 1995 World Cup " ONE TEAM ONE COUNTRY"

MVUZO MBEBE: FORMER CEO OF THE NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL

As former CEO of the National Sports Council, I had the privilege of working very closely with the late Minister Steve Tshwete. News of his passing therefore came as huge blow to me. The loss to South Africa, I feel, is even greater. He was "Mr. Fix It", and he contributed hugely to unifying sports in this country.

FROM TOPSPORT:

On behalf of all Topsport staff and management, we would like to pay our condolences to the Tshwete family. Minister Steve Tshwete worked very closely with Topsport and was a regular face on our programmes as Sports Minister. Never did we ever get a no from him when he was approached to appear on a Television Programme. He will be sadly missed and remembered by at all Topsport. RO BALA KA KGOTSO NTATE OA RONA !!!

MR IMITIAZ PATEL: SUPERSPORT

"Minister Steve Tshwete was a special friend who will be sorely missed. We knew him as a dynamic, compassionate and understanding man and a real visionary. His death is a loss to the country and to Supersport. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family"

LITHA JOLOBE (FORMER EMPLOYEE)

Minister Tshwete never minced his words. He called a spade a spade and nothing else. But behind the roar of a lion, was warmth, sensitivity and caring. He did not bear grudges and was a father to all.

JANE MAKHANYA (FORMER EMPLOYEE)

He provided a shoulder to cry on. While he roared, he just as easily expressed his love and appreciation by surprising one with flowers. He was a taskmaster but did it with fairness and equality.
Issued by Ministry of Sport and Recreation

30 April 2002