President Jacob Zuma has offered his condolences to the family of former Umkhonto we Sizwe combatant Patrick Presence, who died this week after a year-long battle with dementia. He was 59.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Presence family, friends and relatives. We have lost a brave soldier and loyal patriot, who sacrificed life's comforts in pursuit of the Struggle against apartheid.
"May his dedication inspire others to work harder to make South Africa a better place for the poor and vulnerable that he wanted it to be. May his soul rest in peace,” said Zuma.
He was also known by his MK name of “Samuel” and was a member of the Ashley Kriel MK Unit based in Hout Bay.
His widow, Nicolene Presence, said she would always remember her husband as
a “hero”.
“He was the love of my life. He was there for each and everyone. I am so grateful for all the support I have received because that's the only thing keeping me so strong.”
Presence was a father of a 34-year-old son and a 30-year-old daughter. He also leaves two grandchildren.
Shirley Gunn, former commander for the Ashley Kriel detachment, said: “The Ashley Kriel detachment is deeply
saddened by the passing of Patrick Presence, fondly known as Patti, on Monday morning.
"Trained inside the country, he was a loyal member of MK and also of many progressive organisations in the Hout Bay Harbour community, including the Hout Bay Action Committee, Hout Bay Youth Congress and Hout Bay Rovers Football Club.
"We salute Comrade Patti for his significant sacrifice to our Struggle for democracy and wish his family strength during this difficult time.”
His funeral will take place at the Hout Bay community hall at 8am on Saturday.
There will be also be a memorial service for Presence at the Methodist Church in Hout Bay at 7.30pm tomorrow.
Meanwhile, former inspector-general of the SANDF Major-General Mxolisi Petane died of natural causes at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria last week.