Mavis Chabane, wife of Minister of Public Service and Administration Collins Chabane, had the unenviable task of visiting the gruesome crash scene where he was killed in a car crash.
Chabana was supported and accompanied by family members, friends and government colleagues.
Minister Chabane and his two bodyguards, Sergeant Lesiba Sekele and Sergeant Lawrence died following the crash on Sunday morning.
The truck driver who apparently made a U-turn on the road, failed an alcohol breathalyser test and was arrested. He is facing a
string of charges including driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless, negligent driving, culpable homicide, driving an unroadworthy vehicle and not having a driver’s license.
The truck driver is scheduled to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
President Jacob Zuma also expressed shock and conveyed the country’s condolences. Chabane assumed a ministerial position under Zuma’s administration.
Chabane will be accorded a special official funeral. However, dates for the three funerals are yet to be announced.
Click below to watch Minister Chabane’s life and contribution to a democratic South Africa.
Meanwhile, provincial governments, politicians and political parties have expressed shock at the death of Chabane. ANC chief whip Stone Sizani says Chabane’s death is a devastating loss and will leave a huge void within the ranks of government.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille has described Chabane as a dedicated minister who served government with great commitment.
The UDM has expressed its condolences to the family of Public Service and Administration Minister, Collins Chabane. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa has described Chabane as an outstanding leader.
“I wish to convey our condolences to his family and the ANC and friends. Indeed, one can confirm Collins was an officer and a gentleman, a political commissioner par excellence. I worked with him in the ANC. He was a very knowledgeable person. May his soul rest in peace!”
KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu says Chabane was a true democrat.
Click below to watch Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele pay his tribute to Chabane.
In its reaction, the Freedom Front Plus says its shocked by his death. Chief Whip, Dr Corne Mulder, says Chabane was one of the hardest working ministers in the Present’s cabinet.
Mulder has lauded him for his role in spearheading performance monitoring and evaluation in government.
The Congress of the People (COPE) and the Young Communist League (YCL) have also expressed their shock and disbelieve at
the news of Chabane’s passing.
“Congress of the People is shocked at the untimely death of Collins Chabane in a car accident,” the party says in a statement. The party has described Chabane as a hard-working and well-respected minister. “We feel a deep sense of anguish at him being taken away from us so unexpectedly.”
In a statement, the Young Communist League says Chabane was one of the sharpest minds in government. “South Africa this [Sunday] morning wakes up a poorer country as death has robbed us one of the sharpest minds in our government, in the congress movement and an intellectual,” says YCLSA spokesperson, Khaya Xaba.
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