Makhenkesi Stofile laid to rest
Former Eastern Cape Premier and Minister of Sport and Recreation, Reverend Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile’s funeral was held in his home town of Alice in the Eastern Cape on Thursday.
Stofile passed away in his Alice home on August 15, from Pancreatic cancer at the age of 71. He is survived by his mother Mambamba, his wife Nambitha and his two daughters Mathahle and Sive.
Amongst the dignitaries present at Stofile’s funeral were Premier of the Eastern Cape Pumulo Masaulle, secretary general of the African National Congress Gwede Mantashe, newly elected mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Athol Trolip, former finance minister Trevor Manuel, sports and recreation minister Fikile Mbalula and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa who also gave the Eulogy in front of thousands of mourners at the University of Fort Hare Sports Complex.
The designated speakers all spoke highly about Stofile’s political, sporting and religious involvements. Speaking on behalf of the sporting fraternity Mbalula said that the sporting world will never be the same without Stofile.
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“As a man who championed the fight towards non-racial sports, Stofile’s legacy will live long.” said Mbalula.
He also highlighted Stofile’s successful campaign against the planned New Zealand rugby teams tour of South Africa in 1984 during the Apartheid regime.
“Bra Stof stood in front of a New Zealand court and testified against the All Blacks visit to the country because they would have played against a Springbok team that didn’t represent all the people of South Africa.”
Mathahle and Sive both paid tribute to their father with fond memories of their childhood.
“What I loved the most about my father was that he never forced us to do anything, he was always diplomatic in his ways.” said Sive.
Stofile enjoyed successful tenures as both the Premier of the Eastern Cape and the Minister of Sport and Recreation. During his time as Premier he oversaw the successful implementation of the Port of Ngqura project in Port Elizabeth which has created job opportunities for many in the area. As the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Stofile was integral in the successful bidding and hosting of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup in South Africa.
At the time of his death, Stofile was serving as South Africa’s ambassador to Germany and the Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare. A private cremation ceremony will be held of Friday for his family.