JUST IN: Former ANC Free State premier Beatrice Marshoff passes away

The African National Congress (ANC) in Mangaung said it is shocked to learn of the death of former Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff.

It is understood 69-year-old Marshoff passed away on Saturday morning at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital in Soweto.

Marshoff was Premier of the Free State from 2004 to 2009. 

She was also a former nursing sister and served as Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development in the Free State,

Marshoff was also an ANC member of Parliament between 1994 and 1999.

Dedicated member  

ANC Mangaung spokesperson Ncamile Nxangisa said Marshoff was a resident of Mangaung who had selflessly served the people of Free State.

“She served with high moral and highest ethical standards expected of ANC deployees. Premier Marshoff remained a symbol of pride for the people of Free State and one of the pioneers in women leadership who proved the decision of the ANC as correct that it had capable women to lead at the highest echelons of power.”

Struggles

Nxangisa said Marshoff fulfilled the purpose of struggle which the ANC committed to resolve the long-protracted struggle to dismantle apartheid and its legacy.

“The late Premier is a hero of our people, she is the embodiment of outstanding stateswomen who knew and understood that serving the people was an act of the highest sacrifice with no expectation for any reward.”

“The ANC knew Premier Beatrice Marshoff not only as a public office bearer, it appreciated that she was first a community worker whose contribution to the health sector as a professional nurse remains immensely appreciated,” he said

The ANC in Mangaung has sent its condolences to her entire family, comrades, friends.

ANC loses Mangaung

Meanwhile, the Mangaung Metro has slipped away from ANC after opposition parties elected Afrikan Alliance of Social Democrats (AASD) leader Papi Mokoena as mayor.

Of the total 101 council members, only 53 were present at Friday’s special council meeting.

The ANC, which holds a majority with 51 seats, boycotted the sitting, except for its two expelled councillors – Patrick Monyakoane and deputy mayor Mapaseka Mothibi – whose presence helped Mokoena to assume mayorship.

According to speaker Maryke Davies, the meeting reached a quorum, paving the way for the election of mayor and council whip.

Additional reporting by Getrude Makhafola

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