Deputy President Mashatile mourns the death of his long serving speechwriter, Percy Sibusiso Mthimkhulu

We have learned with shock, the sad news of the passing of Percy Mthimkhulu and wish to convey sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Mthimkhulu family on the passing of Percy. 

I have worked with Percy for more than 20 years as my speechwriter and at times, my Spokesperson. Percy was a wonderful and resourceful mandarin.  

Percy distinguished himself from his peers by his unwavering commitment by always going beyond the call of duty. He possessed great wit and was immensely talented in his craft. 

Percy was definitely one of the most prolific speechwriters in both the ANC and government. His ability to use words creatively to tell a story was exceptional. 

He captured audiences and provoked conversations through the many speeches and documents he authored throughout his career. 

His most recent and most memorable outstanding contribution was the drafting of South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan; and the South African Tourism Recovery Plan.

We are grateful to the Mthimkhulu family for lending us their son over the years. His legacy lives on. 

May his daughter Tatyana, sister Jabu, the entire Mthimkhulu family and friends be comforted as we all try to come to terms with this monumental loss. 

May God grant his soul eternal rest! 

Paul Shipokosa Mashatile 
Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria