S. Africa in mourning after the death of cabinet minister

JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 22  — South Africa’s Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa passed away on Saturday after a period of illness, said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa broke the sad news on Saturday in a statement. Minister Molewa passed away at a Pretoria hospital suffering from an undisclosed ailment.
“This is a devastating loss to our nation and to the global community who owe a great debt of gratitude to the late Minister Molewa for her championship nationally and globally for the environmental integrity of a sustainable planet Earth that can be shared and enjoyed by all nations and all people, rich and poor,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa declared a period of mourning with immediate effect and ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide and at South African diplomatic missions abroad. He described Molewa as a capable cadre.
Ramaphosa said, “Minister Molewa has distinguished herself in many capacities and causes from her contribution to our liberation to fighting for equality of women in our society. We shall miss her greatly.”
Ramaphosa visited the Molewa family on Saturday before leaving for United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. The Presidency said details of commemorative events and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
South Africa’s ruling party African National Congress spokesperson Pule Mabe said “this sense of loss is beyond comprehension. Her passing on has left the ANC and the country poorer given her role in advancing the country’s transformation agenda. Our history as a country will not be complete without acknowledging the pivotal role that individuals like her played in enhancing the impact of the collective effort to make South Africa a better place.” – XINHUA