Praise for late official of deputy minister

THE Justice and Correctional Services Ministry offered its condolences after the recent death of Khaya Somgqeza, head of Justice and Correctional Services Deputy Minister Nkosi Patekile Holomisa’s office.

Somgqeza succumbed to his injuries after being involved in a car accident last Friday on the outskirts of Mthatha.

“We convey our deepest condolences to his family and friends and assure them that their loss is equally ours as Somgqeza leaves a void that will be difficult to fill,” said the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola.

Somgqeza also worked as divisional manager of International Relations in Parliament before being appointed as the head of Deputy Minister Holomisa’s office.

“His commitment to his work and his vast experience in diplomacy enhanced relations between the ministry and its various stakeholders, with his sharp eye for detail.

“Somgqeza contributed significantly towards the ministry’s mandate of creating safer communities in the country.

“His thoughtful insight will be sorely missed, particularly when analysing various reports presented before the ministry.”

The country is still mourning the recent death of newly-elected Johannesburg mayor Jolidee Matongo, who died in a car crash in Lenasia on September 18.

The news of his untimely death followed just hours after Matongo teamed up with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and other leaders for an election campaign drive in Soweto ahead of the voter registration weekend.

Matongo had been elected as the new mayor on August 10 after the death of Geoff Makhubo from Covid19 related complications on July 9.

The City of Joburg paid tribute to Matongo with a wreath-laying ceremony at the crash site.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa on Saturday attended the funeral service of the late deputy minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize.