Johannesburg - Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) on Monday joined the growing list of individuals and organisations that have expressed their condolences at the passing of Ronnie Mamoepa, the spokesperson for Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mamoepa, who suffered a stroke last month, died on Saturday at a Pretoria hospital at the age of 56.
"It was with shock and a deep sense of loss that MKMVA received the news of the untimely passing away of comrade Ronnie Mamoepa," said the veterans in a statement.
"In comrade Ronnie our liberation movement had one of the most dedicated and capable cadres. He joined the ANC (African National Congress) at a very young age and served selflessly and with dedication until the very end. MKMVA extends our heart-felt condolences to comrade Ronnie’s wife Audrey, his children, his family and all his friends."
Mamoepa became involved in the liberation struggle at a very young age. At the tender age of 15 years he was arrested in Atteridgeville for ANC underground activities.
In 1980 at the age of 18 he was found guilty of terrorism and given a five-year prison sentence on Robben Island.
"Such an experience could easily have broken someone less committed than Comrade Ronnie. However, he served his sentence with fortitude and grew hugely through engagements with the senior political leaders on Robben Island. Prison truly became comrade Ronnie’s school and he used every day that he was there to learn and grow," said the veterans of the ANC's military wing - Umkhonto we Sizwe.
At the weekend the ANC said it was "gravely saddened by the loss of one of its finest sons".
The ANC added: "Comrade Ronnie was a militant, loyal and dedicated servant of our people who earned his stripes in the youth movement, our people’s parliaments and government. He was a distinguished Communications Commissar who served our movement and the government it leads with humility, diligence and excellence".
President Jacob Zuma and his deputy Ramaphosa both expressed sadness at the death of Mamoepa, who is being remembered as a liberation fighter and a distinguished government communicator.
"This is a great loss to me personally, to the Presidency and government at large," said Ramaphosa.
The Democratic Alliance also extended "its heartfelt condolences" to Mamoepa's family, friends and loved ones.