Country poorer without Molewa – Mabuza
DEPUTY President David Mabuza told hundreds of people who gathered in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, for the Heritage Day celebrations that Edna Molewa’s death was a huge loss to the country.
“She was a gallant fighter for our freedom. Sadly, as much as this day is fixed in the calendars, it is with particular angst that we commemorate this day as a nation in mourning. We have lost the precious life of Minister Edna Molewa.”
The minister fell ill while accompanying President Cyril Ramaphosa on a trip to Beijing last month and passed away at a Pretoria hospital on Saturday.
In a statement, Molewa’s family thanked South Africans for their messages of condolences.
Mabuza described Molewa, 61, as an outstanding servant of the people.
“She possessed extraordinary skills as an organiser, a thinker, a strategist, a leader with the common touch... grounded in the plight of our people.”
He said Molewa understood that nature conservation was “equally about the preservation of our heritage”.
Parliament’s environmental affairs portfolio committee said Molewa had played a significant role in environmental affairs, both internationally and domestically.
“She has also contributed immensely in ensuring that South Africa is on par with other nations on matters that affect the sustainable use of the environment,” committee chairperson Philemon Mapulane said.
Molewa had made significant contributions in international multilateral platforms on issues concerning the conservation of the environment.
She had played a pivotal role in the adoption of a historic climate change agreement in 2015, known as the Paris Agreement, Mapulane said.
“Minister Molewa made significant contributions in global multilateral platforms, especially on global efforts that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“She played a key role in South Africa hosting a successful 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in Johannesburg that took place between September and October 2016.
“The committee commends the sterling role she played and her stewardship that led to a decrease in the number of rhinos being killed in South Africa three years in a row,” Mapulane said.
“This is a testament to Minister Edna Molewa’s experience and skills within the sector.
“The committee wishes her family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances strength at this time.
“The country is indeed poorer without her,” Mapulane said.