Mmola had served as a permanent ANC delegate to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) from Mpumalanga, Parliament said in a statement on Sunday.

She had also served in the previous term of Parliament as a member of the National Assembly, where she was also a member of the portfolio committee on police and standing committee of defence.

She became a permanent representative to the NCOP in 2019, and had been a member of the select committee on security and justice; select committee on cooperative governance and traditional affairs, water and sanitation, and human settlements; joint standing committee on defence; select committee on petitions and executive undertakings; select committee on finance; and the select committee on appropriations.

“We have lost a committed legislator whose passion and drive for security matters transcended beyond Parliament. Ms Mmola was a longstanding active advocate for secure and safe communities," Modise and Masondo said.

She had supported various crime fighting initiatives and was particularly vehement against gender-based violence in her community. She would be remembered for her hard work, dedication, passion, and love for the communities she served.

The presiding officers extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of Mmola, as well all the bereaved families of South Africans who had died due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We continue to urge South Africans to adhere to all safety protocols of level 3 lockdown - continue to stay at home and leave only when necessary, wash hands frequently, and continue to wear masks at all times when in public spaces," the statement said.

African News Agency