South African political parties were united in grief on Wednesday following a tragic accident in which an ANC Member of Parliament, Timothy Khoza, was killed.
Three other MP's, Nomalungelo Gina of the ANC, Ian Ollis of the DA and Cynthia Majeke of the UDM, sustained injuries in the crash which occurred near Paarl this morning.
The MP's from Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Basic Education were doing oversight work, visiting schools in the Cape Winelands area of Paarl.
ANC parliamentary spokesperson, Nonceba Mhlauli, said they have sent messages of support to Khoza's family in Mpumalanga.
“This happens a few days after we lost another ANC MP comrade Bonhomme on Saturday 29 July 2017. We are deeply saddened by this loss as it occurred during an oversight visit in service of the people of South Africa,” said Mhlauli.
“We wish those in hospital a speedy recovery. This is indeed a very painful time for the ANC Parliamentary Caucus,” she added.
DA chief whip, John Steenhuisen, said that they were “shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the awful crash in which members of the Basic Education Portfolio Committee were involved this morning.”
“The DA wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the MP who passed away,” he said.
COPE MP, Deidre’ Carter said: “The Congress of the People (COPE) expresses its distress at the news of the tragic accident involving Members of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education who were busy with an oversight visit.”
Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, said that “it is going to be a very difficult time for all members as they mourn this loss and recover from this tragedy and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Department of Basic Education are with those Members during this time.”
(Image:Parliament)
