Pretoria - North West Premier Edna Molewa has expressed sadness at the death of Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri.
The minister, who was 71, died at a Pretoria hospital on Monday night after a short illness.
Ms Molewa said the North West province was deeply saddened by the news of her death.
The role played by the late minister in transforming and shaping the communications landscape in South Africa by opening the airwaves to previously disadvantaged communities will never be forgotten by the people of this country, she said.
"She leaves a legacy for generations to come who will, in decades ahead of us, continue to enjoy the fruits that democracy has brought to their communities such as community-based radio stations across the length and breadth of our country, including the North West province," said the premier.
Earlier today, President Kgalema Motlanthe expressed condolences to the family and friends of the minister. He described her as an outstanding leader and servant of the people of South Africa.
"In her various leadership capacities and responsibilities, she has served the country with distinction, honour and selflessness.
"With her incisive intellect she has made an invaluable contribution to the development of policy in various fields including Information and Communication Technology," he said in a statement.
