Deputy Minister died helping another victim

National News / 15 September 2019, 07:09am / Molefi Sompane 

The late Deputy minister of mineral resources and energy, Bavelile Hlongwa: Photo Supplied 

Johannesburg: It has been confirmed by the Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula that Deputy minister of mineral resources and energy, Bavelile Hlongwa was assisting a motorist who had overturned when a truck ploughed into the scene.

Mbalula said Hlongwa had “stopped to assist a motorist whose vehicle had overturned on the N1 at Maubane, the deputy minister, her security detail, emergency medical services personnel and Bakwena security group personnel were in the process of assisting the motorist when a flatbed truck crashed into the scene.”

He added that the accident left many people injured affirming that investigation has been launched by both the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the SA Police Service (SAPS).

“South Africa has lost a diligent and dedicated servant of the people. Just as she lived, Hlongwa died helping others,” he said.

On Saturday Morning President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that Hlongwa would be given a category 2 state funeral.

He described Hlongwa, who was the former National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Deputy Chairperson as a “talented leader who, alongside minister Gwede Mantashe, was playing an important and dynamic role in an important sector of our economy”.

Close colleague and Minister Gwede Mantashe conveyed condolences to the family.

“We were beginning to gel as we considered ways in which we could deal with the challenges facing our ministry, and our country. This is, indeed, an untimely end to a young, promising prospect.” Said Mantashe 

Meanwhile ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina also said: “As one of the youngest members of the executive, the untimely passing of comrade Hlongwa leaves an immense void within structures of the ANC Parliamentary Caucus and the ANC as a whole.

“With her departure, South Africans have truly been robbed of one of its most committed public representatives.”

More details about her funeral service will be announced soon.

Molefi Sompane