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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE chairperson of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Council of Ministers Makhosini Hlongwane has said the region had lost a dedicated cadre who contributed immensely to the development of sport.
In his condolence message following the passing away of (AUSC) Region 5 secretary-general Mvuzo Mbebe, Minister Hlongwane said the South African sports administrator was a dependable, dedicated and astute leader.
“He was one of the rare personalities in sport who would go beyond the call of duty merely for his immeasurable love for his country, region and Africa,” said Hlongwane, who is also the Sports and Recreation Minister.
“Mbebe leaves behind an enormous legacy in this region and the continent that will forever be cherished. His contribution to the development of netball, a sport that he administered for years, will forever be remembered,” said Minister Hlongwane.
Mbebe served in various roles in South Africa with distinction, notably, in the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and South African National Sports Council where he was the chief executive officer. He was also secretary-general of Athletics South Africa, chief executive officer of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and 2014 African Nations Championship (Chan), among others.
Minister Hlongwane said Mbebe distinguished himself by “serving diligently on other missions that included the Sixth All-Africa Games in 1995 held in Zimbabwe where he was the chef de mission and the seventh All-Africa Games in 1999 where he served as director”.
“Mbebe was instrumental in the establishment and development of the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA) Zone VI, which is now AUSC Region 5, where he served in various structures and rose through the ranks until he became the organisation’s secretary general,” said Minister Hlongwane.
During his tenure, Minister Hlongwane noted that the region witnessed significant growth and introduction of various programmes and activities that shall leave a lasting legacy.
“Among these were the Sports Education and Accreditation Systems and the Region 5 Games, which have become a household and flagship programme for the region.
“Mbebe was a larger than life character whose presence was felt whenever he committed in executing programmes and decisions. His fearless character won him both admiration and resistance but he stood resolutely on what he believed in, all in the best interest of the organisation.
“The region and Africa at large has lost an irreplaceable pillar of strength, strategist, mentor, a leader par excellence, but most importantly, a gallant son of the soil whose wit and great sense of humour will leave an indelible mark in our hearts of hearts.”
The minister said Mbebe’s tenacity and magnanimity were striking as he fought the cancer battle and resisted its insidious effects with the heart of a lion.
“He never allowed his frailty to deter him from attaining his goals. He fought formidably and remained determined up to the end. He fought a good fight until the end. Even from his deathbed, he remained a strong character,” said Minister Hlongwane.
He said it was hard to imagine that Mbebe was recently in Congo Brazzaville for the African Games.
“It leaves one with no other justification than to conclude that his mission was to bid all his Ministers of Sport and friends farewell when he attended the Council of Ministers meetings on September 2 and 3, 2015 regardless of his failing health. He chose a memorable platform to take a bow and exit this world after having witnessed an historic event, one that epitomised what he had served all his life. No heroism surpasses such a feat of gallantry.
“Today we bid farewell to perfection personified. We bid farewell to an icon of Africa, the region and South Africa. Mbebe was a luminary that leaves a void too wide to fill,” he said.
Minister Hlongwane is also expected to attend Mbebe’s memorial service in South Africa this afternoon. Mbebe is expected to be laid to rest next Tuesday.
Online Reporter