Mamoepa was like family: Dlamini-Zuma
Former Home Affairs Minister and African Union chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has paid tribute to her former spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.
South Africans have gathered for the official memorial service for the veteran government spokesperson in Pretoria.
Mamoepa, a former political prisoner and member of the Gauteng provincial legislature, was a highly regarded and accomplished public servant and veteran communicator who served the African National Congress (ANC) and various departments in government.
At the time of his death, Mamoepa was spokesperson Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Dlamini-Zuma says the news of Mamoepa's death was difficult to process.
"It was difficult to process and internalise the early departure of Ronnie Mamoepa from our midst and it is clear to all of us in the country that a tall tree has fallen. A big heart has stopped beating. A vibrant and exuberant personality has become still," Dlamini-Zuma says.
Dlamini-Zuma says Mamoepa was great at his job, because he went the extra mile - he always had the information.
She says he communicated during the World Cup bid and when Mbeki was recalled.
"You were not just working with communicator, you were working with a comrade, a revolutionary. You could discuss things with him. He was a friend. He was like family," Dlamini-Zuma says.