Finance ministry mourns death of Percy Mthimkhulu

Tributes have been streaming in for Percy Mthimkhulu who died in his sleep.

Affectionately known as ‘Lenin’ among his close circles, Mthimkhulu assumed his position in the finance ministry in August 2021 after serving as the chief speechwriter for then Gauteng premier Paul Mashatile. 

In a statement, the ministry described Mthimkhulu as a key part of the “brains trust, both in the ministry of finance and national treasury, during difficult economic times.

“Mr Mthimkhulu was part of the team that wrote the African National Congress’s national executive committee’s Covid-19 economic reconstruction document,” read the statement.

Mthimkhulu boasts an illustrious history in media and government having started his career as a journalist at the Financial Mail and Business Day before switching to the public sector in the early 2000s.

He also played an active role in student politics, serving as deputy chairperson of the South African Students Congress (Sasco) in the southern Transvaal region 1995.

In his later years, Mthimkhulu used his political prowess and his passion for economics to push for transformation that will benefit all South Africans.

“As a proud African, he never hid from his responsibility nor turned his back on the needs of the people.”

Paying tribute to Mthimkhulu, deputy president Paul Mashatile described him as a prolific speechwriter ]. 

"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."

Mashatile and Godongwana offered their condolences to the family. 

"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," Mashatile said.

Mthimkhulu will be laid to rest on Saturday.