ANC MP Tina Joemat-Pettersson has died. She was 59.
ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina confirmed on Monday that Joemat-Pettersson died at home.
“She is no more, her family has confirmed she has passed away. I spoke to her sons as they are the ones who informed me about her passing,” she told TimesLIVE.
“I don’t have further details for now,” said Majodina.
President Cyril Ramaphosa shared his condolences to her family, especially her sons Austin and Terrence.
“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.
“We will miss the passion and vigour with which Tina Joemat-Pettersson fought for a better South Africa from the rural villages of the Northern Cape to the benches of Parliament and international platforms," he said.
Joemat-Pettersson was minister of energy under Jacob Zuma’s presidency.
She was the chairperson of the National Assembly’s police portfolio committee at the time of her death.
She also served in the section 194 committee conducting an inquiry into suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office.
IOL reported last week Mkhwebane’s husband laid a complaint with the police accusing Joemat-Pettersson of trying to extort money from them to “make the inquiry go away”.
National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces chair Amos Masondo said the death of the seasoned politician and MP was a great loss, not only to her family and party, but the nation which she had served in various capacities.
Joemat-Pettersson also served as a member of the ad hoc committee on flood disaster relief and recovery.
She previously served as agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister.
“Joemat-Pettersson’s passing has left us reeling with shock. She will be remembered as an astute politician who used her skills, talents and knowledge to advance legislative work to change the lives of ordinary South Africans,” the presiding officers said.
“She exuded great energy, passion and goodwill and was not afraid to speak her mind. Parliament extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the ANC and all South Africans.”
Majodina said Joemat-Pettersson as a “proud product of the people of her province, the Northern Cape, whom she held in high esteem”.
She appealed to the media and public to give Joemat-Pettersson’s family and ANC caucus space to deal with the loss.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
ANC MP Tina Joemat-Pettersson dies
Image: Trevor Samson
ANC MP Tina Joemat-Pettersson has died. She was 59.
ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina confirmed on Monday that Joemat-Pettersson died at home.
“She is no more, her family has confirmed she has passed away. I spoke to her sons as they are the ones who informed me about her passing,” she told TimesLIVE.
“I don’t have further details for now,” said Majodina.
President Cyril Ramaphosa shared his condolences to her family, especially her sons Austin and Terrence.
“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.
“We will miss the passion and vigour with which Tina Joemat-Pettersson fought for a better South Africa from the rural villages of the Northern Cape to the benches of Parliament and international platforms," he said.
Joemat-Pettersson was minister of energy under Jacob Zuma’s presidency.
She was the chairperson of the National Assembly’s police portfolio committee at the time of her death.
She also served in the section 194 committee conducting an inquiry into suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office.
IOL reported last week Mkhwebane’s husband laid a complaint with the police accusing Joemat-Pettersson of trying to extort money from them to “make the inquiry go away”.
National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces chair Amos Masondo said the death of the seasoned politician and MP was a great loss, not only to her family and party, but the nation which she had served in various capacities.
Joemat-Pettersson also served as a member of the ad hoc committee on flood disaster relief and recovery.
She previously served as agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister.
“Joemat-Pettersson’s passing has left us reeling with shock. She will be remembered as an astute politician who used her skills, talents and knowledge to advance legislative work to change the lives of ordinary South Africans,” the presiding officers said.
“She exuded great energy, passion and goodwill and was not afraid to speak her mind. Parliament extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the ANC and all South Africans.”
Majodina said Joemat-Pettersson as a “proud product of the people of her province, the Northern Cape, whom she held in high esteem”.
She appealed to the media and public to give Joemat-Pettersson’s family and ANC caucus space to deal with the loss.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
MORE:
OBITUARY | Denis Worrall, the NP’s charismatic ‘great white hope’ of SA politics
OBITUARY | Billy Masetlha — from young activist to ambassador
OBITUARY | Enoch Duma’s pen was mightier than apartheid’s sword
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos