PRETORIA – The government has expressed sadness at the untimely passing of one of its communication foot soldiers, Sidwell Medupe.
Medupe, aged 56, passed away on Thursday due to COVID-19 complications. He was the spokesperson and Head of Communication at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic).
Reflecting on Medupe’s stellar contribution, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director-General, Phumla Williams, said Medupe was a diligent and seasoned communicator of note.
“He became the source of content for members of the media and the public in general. Sidwell coached and motivated a number of young and upcoming communicators.
“He worked closely with the GCIS in communicating the work of his department. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
“Sidwell was a true public servant, who understood the principles of Batho Pele. He went beyond the call of servicing members of the media. As his department was also responsible for providing support funding to small and medium-sized businesses, he served with dedication in providing members of the public with information on how to access these services,” Williams said.
In Medupe’s honor, Williams said government communicators will continue to spread the message that continues to urge the public to mask up, wash up and practise social distancing.
The vaccine registration system is open to allow people to register for the COVID-19 vaccine, for more info, go to http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/.
Sad to hear of the passing of Sidwell Medupe, spokesperson for @the_dti – He was committed to his work. And I remember the days when he worked at @SABCNews in Pretoria. He will be missed. @GovernmentZA pic.twitter.com/9N29OopVcS
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 5, 2021
@the_dti spokesperson Sidwell Medupe passes on pic.twitter.com/tCqdxkVPe5
— the dtic (@the_dti) August 5, 2021
