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Statement by Minister Ronnie Kasrils (MP) on the passing of Mr January "Che" Masilela
26 August 2008
It with deep sadness that we learnt of the tragic and untimely death of an outstanding patriot, January "Che" Masilela, who throughout his life -starting as a student in the early 1970s in Mpumalanga - served the liberation movement and our democratic government with the utmost dedication and loyalty.
Che, who joined Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) in 1975, understood the importance of education and hard work that was needed to bring about change in South Africa. His commitment to this change has seen him serve in various capacities - as a political commissar in MK, MEC in Mpumalanga and Secretary for Defence. His knowledge and experience will be sorely missed in the security cluster and government as a whole, as well as in the African National Congress.
On behalf of the South African Intelligence Services, I extend our sincere condolences to the Masilela family, his comrades and colleagues and wish you strength as we deal with this tragic loss.
Contact person:
Lorna Daniels
Cell: 082 418 3389
Issued by: Ministry for Intelligence Services
26 August 2008
Source: SAPA