Malamulele - President Jacob Zuma says South Africans should use the tragic death of Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane and his two protectors to reflect deeply on road safety.
Delivering his eulogy at the official funeral service of Minister Chabane at the Salema Sports Ground, on Saturday, President Zuma said the loss of the Chabane family is the loss of the whole nation.
“The manner in which we lost him and the two police officers calls upon us to reflect deeply on road safety.
“Drivers should observe the rules of the road, whether they see traffic officers or not. It is up to all of us to drive safely and save lives. The carelessness on the roads cannot continue in this manner.
“The human cost is enormous. Government cannot solve this problem alone, it requires the commitment and actions of all road users,” he said.
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.
President Zuma also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Chabane family and the families of the two protectors, Sergeants Sekele and Lentsoane.
“On behalf of government and the people of South Africa, we extend our deepest condolences to the Chabane family.
“We have received countless messages from all corners of the country expressing pain and loss and paying tribute to Minister Chabane.
“We also lost the lives of dedicated police officers, Lesiba Sekele and Lawrence Lentsoane. Their passing was sudden, tragic and shocking. We once again extend our deepest condolences to the Sekele and Lentsoane families, who are also laying their loved ones to rest this sad weekend,” President Zuma said.
The country has been in mourning because of the untimely passing of this patriot who was admired and respected for his simplicity, humility and profound intellect.
“We have seen the week-long celebration of the life of a man who dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom, justice and equality, and who has also served his country diligently since the dawn of freedom,” he said.
He further said perhaps Chabane’s personality and leadership style held him in good stead in difficult situations.
“He never allowed passion and emotion to stand in the way of reason. He was always calm. He also had a sense of humour which enabled him to prepare a soft landing for whatever difficult messages he wanted to communicate,” he said.
Last year, when the country celebrated 20 years of freedom, Minister Chabane led the process of developing a twenty year review, critically assessing the progress of the ANC government since 1994.
In the new administration after elections last year, he was appointed as Minister of Public Service and Administration.
The Department of Public Service and Administration is the heart and engine of government. It determines the shape and impact of the public service.
Taking forward Chabane’s vision
The President told mourners that today he saw another Collins Chabane emerging through his son, Matimba, who earlier paid tribute to his father. He urged public servants to take Chabane’s vision and serve people with dignity and respect.
“We urge our frontline service staff that serve people directly to take forward Minister Chabane’s vision and serve our people with dignity, respect, courtesy, efficiency and speed.
“From our licensing departments’ staff to those responsible for applications for social grants and identity documents to nurses, police officers and those handling municipal enquiries, let us put our people first in memory of Minister Chabane,” he said.
As Minister Chabane is been laid to rest on Human Rights Day, President Zuma said it symbolises his unwavering commitment to the entrenchment of the human rights culture in the country.
“We could not join the national event in Uitenhage, commemorating the massacre that claimed the lives of our people 30 years ago.
“As we bid farewell to Minister Chabane on Human Rights Day, we acknowledge the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for democracy and reaffirm our commitment to advance human rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
He bid the late Minister farewell. “Farewell freedom fighter, combatant, commissar, MK soldier, former political prisoner, a dedicated servant of the people, and accomplished musician, a husband, a father, and to me personally, a son,” said President Zuma. - SAnews.gov.za
