The South African Communist Party (SACP) says they are deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of the “long-standing activist and veteran of our liberation struggle Collins Chabane and his two his bodyguards Sergeant Lesiba Sekele and Sergeant Lawrence.
The SACP says it sends its deepest condolences to the families of Comrade Chabane, Sergeants Sekele and Lentsoane. The trio were killed in a fatal motor vehicle accident just outside Polokwane in the early hours of this morning.
“We also send our condolences and message of solidarity to our long standing ally the ANC, to the rest of our liberation movement and Alliance, and to the country as a whole”, says SACP General Secretary Comrade Blade Nzimande.
He also says, “This great loss occurred at a time when our country is preparing to engage on a second, more radical phase of transformation from colonial and apartheid oppression to a non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous democratic society as envisioned in the Freedom Charter.”
“Comrade Collins Chabane, who had sharp analytical skills and was also an artist, will be sorely missed”, added Nzimande.
Chabane was a dedicated minister who served in government with great commitment.
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 cabinet.
Mulder has lauded him for his role in spearheading performance monitoring and evaluation in government.
Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille, has also extended her government’s condolences to Chabane’s family. Zille says Chabane was a dedicated minister who served in government with great commitment.
She says she respected the quality of his work and his commitment to the principles of fairness and openness. Zille says Chabane’s death will leave a vacuum in national government that will be hard to fill.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu says Chabane was a true democrat. Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba has extended condolences to the families of the three men.
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has expressed its condolences to the family of Chabane. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa has described Chabane as an outstanding leader.
Relatives are meanwhile gathered at the Chabane family home at Shikundu in Limpopo. The family members are still shocked and traumatized about the news of passing on of Minister Chabane.
They have not yet issued a public comment as they are yet to hold a family meeting in Polokwane. Some relatives were crying as they arrived at the Chabane homestead at Shikundu village
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