Ministers, dignitaries arrive at Minister Chabane's house

Friday, March 20, 2015

Malamulele – Cabinet Ministers, MECs and other senior government officials have arrived at the home of the late Public Service and Administration Minister, Collins Chabane.

Among the Ministers and dignitaries that arrived at the late Minister’s house on Friday evening were Public Works minister Thulas Nxesi, Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister Ayanda Dlodlo, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.

The usually sleepy village of Xikundu is abuzz with activity as senior government officials, politicians and locals make their way to Minister Chabane’s home ahead of his funeral tomorrow.

Minister Chabane passed away on Sunday, 15 March, in a crash on the N1 in Limpopo. Two of his protectors, Sergeants Lesiba Sekele and Lawrence Lentsoane, also died in the collision.

Earlier on Friday, Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Charles Sekoati, spoke to SAnews at the Minister’s home.

Both MEC Sekoati and Chabane served on the provincial government legislature under the leadership of the former Premier Nqaoka Ramathlodi.

Chabane served as Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC and later as Public Works MEC in Limpopo.

MEC Sekoati said he enjoyed working with Minister Chabane for 15 years.

He remembers the late Minister as a selfless leader who contributed to bringing improvements in the province.

“His ability to interact with people and his exceptional leadership skills are the things that I will always remember about him.”

At home, the locals remember Minister Chabane as a loving person who would not discriminate.

Many still find it difficult to accept his death. Jacob Makhubele, 50, told SAnews that he still finds it difficult to accept that Mr Chabane is no more.

“I remember seeing him singing with other local musicians here, we really enjoyed his music and I still love his music. What I remember the most about him is his interaction with people, he loved people, young and old,” Makhubele said.

Makhubele joined other locals who came to support the Chabane family.

According to the family, the service will start at home and thereafter proceed to church and from there to the grave yard.

The Minister will be laid to rest in an official funeral category one, which is reserved for serving Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and Premiers of provinces.

 *Click here to view our online tribute to Minister Chabane. – SAnews.gov.za