By 
BLOEMFONTEIN — The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State is mourning the death of former Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member and long-serving activist Thembeni “Skully” Nxangisa, following a period of illness.
In an official media statement released on Friday, 24 July 2026, the party expressed “profound sadness” over the loss of the former Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member, praising his lifelong commitment to public service and the liberation movement.
Nxangisa’s political journey began during the anti-apartheid struggle as a youth activist, eventually rising through the organizational ranks of the ANC. Over the course of his political career, he held key leadership roles within the party’s provincial structures, including serving on the ANC Political Education Committee, where he focused on strengthening the movement’s ideological foundation.
“A lifelong political activist and a servant of the people, whose involvement in ANC activities started during Youth activism against Apartheid tyranny… Cde Thembeni has risen through the ranks to grow to be given and head serious organizational tasks performed with distinction,” said ANC Free State Provincial Spokesperson Thabo Meeko.
In addition to his political roles within the party, Nxangisa served in the Free State Provincial Legislature after being elected in May 2019. His legislative tenure was accompanied by key executive appointments within the provincial cabinet.
Nxangisa was appointed Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in May 2019, a position he held until October 2021. He was subsequently reshuffled to lead the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as MEC, serving until March 2023.
During his tenure in provincial government, Nxangisa was tasked with overseeing municipal administration, strengthening relations with traditional leadership institutions, and spearheading agricultural development initiatives across the province. Party officials noted that his policy priorities placed a strong emphasis on rural food security and youth empowerment programs.
The ruling party extended its sympathies to Nxangisa’s family, friends, and colleagues across the province.
“The ANC Free State extends its deepest condolences to the Nxangisa family, his comrades, friends, and all who were touched by his life and work,” the statement concluded. “We have lost a dedicated cadre, a selfless public servant, and a passionate advocate for the youth and the poor.”
