SA Gov
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of former Cabinet member, Tina Joemat-Pettersson.
The Presidency said she died on Monday night at her home in Cape Town at the age of 59.
"President Ramaphosa offers his sincere condolences to the family of the former Minister, and especially her sons Austin and Terrence," the Presidency said in a statement.
Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said at the time of her passing, Joemat-Pettersson was the Chairperson of the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Police, having previously served the nation as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and Minister of Energy.
"We have lost a remarkable leader who dedicated herself to improving the quality of life in her home province of the Northern Cape in the early years of our democracy before assuming national responsibilities in key portfolios," Ramaphosa said.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo, said the "untimely passing of one of South Africa's seasoned politicians and lawmakers was a great loss not only to her family and political party but the nation which she has served in various capacities."
The ANC Parliamentary Caucus said it was shocked to learn about the passing of the Joemat-Pettersson.
"She was a proud product of the people of her province, the Northern Cape, whom she held in high esteem," the ANC caucus said.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has denied reports that she dismissed a meeting request by the suspended public protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, over bribery claims against MPs.
This follows a claim by Mkhwebane that three high-profile MPs attempted to extort R600,000 from her in exchange for quashing the inquiry into her fitness to hold office.
The MPs reportedly include the chairperson of the inquiry, Qubudile Dyantyi, ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina and former cabinet minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.
Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says Mapisa-Nqakula is not in a position to either investigate, make findings or dismiss allegations made against Members of Parliament.
