ANC’s Ntuli remembered

BONGI NTULI, the former deputy Social Development Minister who died of heart failure at the weekend, has been described as a dedicated servant, scholar and activist.

Ntuli, who died at the Pretoria Heart Hospital, had participated in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) talks and was a parliamentarian who served on various committees. She also served on the national executive committee of the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL).

In 2009, she was appointed as Trade and Industry deputy minister, and in 2010 she was deployed to the Department of Social Development. President Jacob Zuma expressed “deep sadness” at her death.

“South Africa has lost a valuable seasoned servant of the people and a dedicated gender activist, and on behalf of government and all South Africans, we convey our heartfelt condolences to Ms Ntuli’s family. May her soul rest in peace,” he said in a statement.

Ntuli will be remembered for her sterling contribution to the Codesa talks, he added.

ANCWL secretary-general Meokgo Matuba said Ntuli’s death was the loss of a “dedicated servant of our people, a scholar, a gender activist and an ardent advocate for equality”.

Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini said Ntuli had a good heart and could balance and infuse politics and religious beliefs to serve the poor and vulnerable.

Ntuli leaves behind a daughter and two sons.