Pretoria – Cabinet says it is saddened by the untimely passing of the Minister of Public Service and Administration, Collins Chabane, who died in a car accident at the weekend.
Minister Chabane and his protectors, Sergeants Lesiba Samuel Sekele and Mareme Lawrence Lentsoane, died on Sunday morning on the N1 outside of Polokwane.
“Government and the people of South Africa will solely miss the contribution from this servant of the people who remained committed to building a better South Africa until death,” said Cabinet in a statement issued after its ordinary meeting on Thursday.
As a member of the Executive, the Minister will be afforded an Official Funeral Category 1.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, at Xikundu village in Malamulele, Limpopo.
“Cabinet conveys its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the late Minister and his two protectors,” said Cabinet.
The late Minister is survived by his wife, Mavis, and two children.
The official memorial is being held in Pretoria today, where Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address mourners.
Earlier, a memorial was held at the SAPS Tshwane Academy for Sergeants Sekele and Lentsoane.
Proposed changes to municipal demarcations
Meanwhile, Cabinet said it had noted the responses to the latest round of proposed demarcations. Cabinet acknowledged that robust debate is an integral part of democracy.
“Since there are some municipalities that are struggling to deliver services and remain unsustainable due to insufficient revenue and inadequate governance, municipal boundaries are constantly reviewed,” it said.
Cabinet said the processes of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), which is charged with determining municipal boundaries, are transparent and consultative.
“Cabinet encourages communities to actively participate in these processes. Cabinet condemns the usage of violent protest marches as a means of resolving demarcation disputes,” said Cabinet on Thursday.
It added that the work of the Board was an integral part of government’s “back to basics” approach to ensure better delivery of services to communities.
Successful Lesotho elections
Cabinet also congratulated the people of Lesotho and the new Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili, for holding successful elections.
“Cabinet congratulates the Basotho people for a smooth transfer of power and has urged them to work together for lasting peace and economic development.
“Cabinet also congratulated the new Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Right Honourable Pakalitha Mosisili on his election and successful inauguration that took place on Tuesday.”
Cabinet further congratulated Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on the role he played leading to the successful elections as well as the Southern African Development Community for its role in facilitating a roadmap for peace and elections of the new government.
“Cabinet reiterated South Africa’s commitment to continue working with the Kingdom of Lesotho to further enhance the existing relations by focusing on strengthening economic and social cooperation that will lead to the improvement of people’s lives.”
SA in the CWC semi-finals
Cabinet congratulated the national cricket team for advancing to the semi-finals in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
The cricket team advanced to the semis with a nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka.
“We wish the team and the coach well as they proceed with the rest of the tournament,” said Cabinet.
South Africa will play either New Zealand or West Indies in Auckland on Tuesday. – SAnews.gov.za
