ANC rocked by Loliwe’s crash death
THE tragic death of ANC MPL Fezeka Loliwe rocked the political party yesterday after she died in an accident on the R63 near Alice.
While details surrounding the accident are still unclear, it is believed that the SUV she was driving overturned near the Fort Hare University’s Alice campus.
Loliwe, who was a dedicated public representative and joined parliament four years ago, was on her way from her parliamentary constituency office in Fort Beaufort after attending a weekly meeting.
ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu said last night he had learnt of the accident with shock and deep sadness.
“Comrade Loliwe was a dedicated public representative,” he said.
“Her untimely departure leaves a deep void within structures of the ANC caucus and parliament as a whole.
“South Africa has been robbed of one of the most dedicated public representatives.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Loliwe family, her friends and her comrades. May her revolutionary spirit rest in eternal peace.”
Mthembu said Loliwe formed part of the formidable team which conducted the parliamentary inquiry into the SABC.
She also served as the chairwoman of the portfolio committee on labour.
Loliwe obtained her teacher’s qualification at Rubusana in Mdantsane, East London, in 1988 and holds a master’s degree in education and labour law.
Before 1994 she was active in civic movements like the Frankfort Youth Organisation, her place of origin.
Police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender said: “The circumstances around how the accident occurred are unclear but the SAPS can confirm that a single vehicle was involved and the driver was alone in the vehicle.”
As a teaching practitioner, Loliwe also led the King William’s Town Sadtu branch and was elected to its provincial structure.
She was elected vice-president of the sports, arts and culture portfolio within Sadtu’s national structure and then deployed to parliament.