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Cape Town - Cricket South Africa (CSA) has paid tribute to the Reverend Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile who died yesterday at his home town of Alice, Eastern Cape, at the age of 72.
“It is with a sense of shock that we heard this sad news,” commented CSA chief executive, Haroon Lorgat. “He played a very significant role in the birth of the Democratic South Africa and was highly regarded as theologian, politician, sports player and administrator.
“Cricket had a very good relationship with him when he joined the National Cabinet and served as Minister of Sport and Recreation from 2004 to 2010.
“On behalf of the CSA Family and indeed all cricket lovers I extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Nambita, his three children and his many friends and colleagues. He indeed served South Africa across a diverse spectrum.”
The Reverend Stofile was educated at Fort Hare University and earned other degrees at leading universities in Germany and the United States of America. After the first democratic elections in 1994 he became ANC Chief Whip in Parliament and later became Treasurer General of the Ruling Party. He served as Premier of the Eastern Cape from 1997 to 2004 before becoming Minister of Sport and Recreation.
He was chancellor of Fort Hare at the time of his death and also did duty as Ambassador to Germany.
As a player he represented Border at rugby under the aegis of the South African Rugby Union and later became a Vice-President. He was also involved in the administration of cricket and netball.
