Thabo Mbeki Mourns Loss of Trusted Advisor Titus Mafolo

Key Takeaways

• Former President Thabo Mbeki has paid tribute to the late anti-apartheid activist Titus Mafolo, calling on public servants to follow in his footsteps.
• Mafolo, a 69-year-old ANC member and businessman, passed away last week after a short illness.
• Mbeki emphasized the importance of honest nation-building and urged current leaders to commit to solving South Africa’s significant internal and systemic hurdles.
• The country is facing serious problems, including crime, economic issues, and unemployment, and Mbeki believes that Mafolo’s guidance is greatly missed.
• The most meaningful way to honour Mafolo’s memory is for current leaders and public servants to pick up where he left off and work towards a better future for South Africa.

Introduction to Titus Mafolo
Titus Mafolo, a prominent ANC member and businessman, has passed away at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the fight against apartheid and a commitment to building a better South Africa. As a key political adviser to former President Thabo Mbeki during his presidential term, Mafolo played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s post-democratic era. His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes, with many hailing him as an exemplary leader and a guiding light in the country’s ongoing struggle to address its significant internal and systemic challenges.

Thabo Mbeki’s Tribute
During Mafolo’s funeral service in Johannesburg, former President Thabo Mbeki delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and colleague. Mbeki acknowledged the significant impact of Mafolo’s passing, stating that the country is poorer without his guidance and wisdom. With South Africa facing a multitude of problems, including crime, economic issues, and unemployment, Mbeki emphasized the need for leaders to come together and work towards finding solutions. He expressed his concern about the future of the country, saying, "I don’t know about yourselves, but me, I don’t know where South Africa will be tomorrow. Where are we going? How are we going to solve all of these problems?"

The Need for Honest Nation-Building
Mbeki’s tribute to Mafolo also served as a call to action for current leaders and public servants. He emphasized the importance of honest nation-building and urged those in positions of power to commit to solving the country’s problems. By following in Mafolo’s footsteps, Mbeki believes that leaders can work towards creating a better future for South Africa. He stated, "The most meaningful way to honour Titus’s memory is for us to say, we too will do our best to answer that question honestly about where South Africa should be tomorrow." This sentiment reflects the need for leaders to be truthful and transparent in their efforts to address the country’s challenges and to work towards a common goal of building a more just and equitable society.

The Legacy of Titus Mafolo
The legacy of Titus Mafolo serves as a reminder of the importance of dedication, hard work, and commitment to the greater good. As a prominent ANC member and businessman, Mafolo played a significant role in shaping the country’s post-democratic era. His passing has left a void in the country’s leadership, and it is up to current leaders and public servants to pick up where he left off. By following in Mafolo’s footsteps and committing to honest nation-building, leaders can work towards creating a better future for South Africa. As Mbeki so eloquently put it, "Because he’s no longer with us, at least a tribute we should pay to him is to say, we too will do our best to answer that question honestly about where South Africa should be tomorrow." This tribute serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Titus Mafolo and a reminder of the importance of working towards a brighter future for all South Africans.