Former minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson has died

Former minister of energy and African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament (MP) Tina Joemat-Pettersson has passed on.

Joemat-Pettersson, who served as chairperson of police study group, was 59 years old.

Joemat-Pettersson served as minister of energy from 2014 to 2017, and agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister from 2009 to 2014.

“It is great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved comrade, Tina Joemat-Pettersson. During her time of death, Joemat-Pettersson was the ANC Member of Parliament serving as a chairperson of police study group. May her soul rest in peace,” said the ruling party on Monday evening.

Joemat-Pettersson reportedly died at home.

‘Great loss’

In a statement on Monday evening, speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Amos Masondo described Joemat-Pettersson’s death as a great loss to her family, ANC and the nation which she has served in various capacities.

“Ms Joemat-Pettersson’s passing has left us reeling with shock. She will be remembered as an astute politician who used her skills, talents, and knowledge to advance legislative work to change the lives of ordinary South Africans. She exuded great energy, passion, and goodwill, and was not afraid to speak her mind. May her soul rest in peace.”

Joemat-Pettersson allegations

Joemat-Pettersson, along with Section 194 Committee chairperson Qubudile Dyantyi and ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina recently made headlines after being accused of trying to extort funds from suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane to make her impeachment inquiry “go away”.

A case has since been opened with the police.

READ MORE: ‘Section 194 Inquiry won’t be distracted by gossip,’ says ANC MP on Mkhwebane extortion claims

Speaking to the media following the ANC leadership’s visit to North West last Sunday, secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the ruling party would take action against those found to be guilty.

“If there is any member of the ANC who would have done the things that has been reported, surely there would be action. Heads will roll definitely because we do not play. You go wrong, and we hit you. We hit you hard. The ANC will not hesitate to act,” he said.

Additional reporting by Molefe Seeletsa