'Zola was a solid comrade'
African National Congress (ANC) veteran Pallo Jordan has paid tribute to his long-time colleague Zola Skweyiya.
ANC stalwart and struggle veteran Skweyiya died at the age of 75 on April 11. His passing came shortly after the death of struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Skweyiya served as Minister of Public Services and Administration in former president Nelson Mandela's first cabinet 1994.
In 1999 he was appointed as Minister of Social Development.
Jordan said he had known Skweyiya for almost 60 years.
"A modest, unassuming person who was not given to vanity. Nor did he seek to project himself and impose himself on others. A man with the capacity to do his work quietly and diligently, virtually unnoticed. But the quality of his output never failed to impress.
"He was a very solid comrade, committed freedom fighter, and I would say an instinctive democrat."
Jordan described the establishment of a social grant system, while he headed up the Department of Social Development, as Skweyiya's greatest legacy.
"He put in place a comprehensive system of social welfare grants. And social grants are not a solution to poverty but, and I think it is important we underscore this, they do keep many wolves away from the door and at least ensure that no children go to bed hungry. That is his legacy."