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Tributes pour in for #Molewa

───   07:34 Sun, 23 Sep 2018

Tributes pour in for #Molewa | News Article
The late Edna Molewa (GCIS)

Tributes continue to pour in for the late Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa, who, on Saturday, passed away in a Pretoria hospital after a brief illness.


North West provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung, says Premier Job Mokgoro was shocked and saddened to learn of Molewa’s death. 

She also served as ANC Chairperson, MEC and  the first female premier of the province. 

Setswambung says Mokgoro described Molewa as a distinguished individual whom they were still expecting a lot from as someone who has continued to play a leading role in promoting environmental conservation, key to South Africa’s economic development.

Furthermore, the World Wide Fund for Nature acknowledged the significant contribution Molewa made to the environmental cause in South Africa. 

Yesterday marked World Rhino Day and WWF South Africa CEO, Morné du Plessis, says it's worth noting that under her watch there was a decline in rhino deaths over the past three years. 

In 2013, the WWF awarded Molewa its highest honour, the “Gift to The Earth” award, on the declaration of the Prince Edward Islands a Marine Protected Area (MPA), South Africa’s first offshore MPA and one of the world’s largest.

The Democratic Alliance on Saturday expressed sadness at the death of Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa and paid tribute to her for her work in raising awareness of rhino poaching.

"The Democratic Alliance is saddened by the news of the passing of minister Edna Molewa," DA chief whip John Steenhuisen said in a statement.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, as well as to the African National Congress. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

The South African Communist Party (SACP) also conveyed its sincere condolences to her family. The SACP further expresses its message of solidarity with the African National Congress for the loss. Comrade Edna was a seasoned member of the ANC National Executive Committee.

"Minister Molewa was one of the hard working ministers in South Africa’s democratic dispensation. Her efforts contributed in great measure to the success of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). COP17 was held in South Africa between 28 November and 9 December 2011. 

"She was highly dedicated and outstandingly represented South Africa and the whole of humanity in the UNFCCC.

"In memory of the stalwart of our liberation struggle, the SACP urges South Africans across all walks of life to unite, take forward and intensify the effort to save both humanity and nature from the impending extinction by environmental degradation and ecological destruction," spokesperson Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo said in a statement.

Earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a period of mourning and ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide and at South African diplomatic missions abroad. 

Molewa will be afforded an official state funeral.

Details of commemorative events and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.


Lucky Nkuyane/OFM News


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North West provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung:

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