In a family statement released on the 23rd of September 2018, Minister of Environmental Affairs Ms Bomo Edna Edith Molewa was announced dead due to complications of Legionnaires’ disease.
The late minister was considered a hard worker by many and paved the way for a number of females in political leadership positions. She was the very first female premier of the North West provincial government‚ she is the only female to have served as the provincial chairperson of the ANC. Furthermore, in the early 90’s , she became the first female to be the chairperson of the portfolio committee on trade and industry.
“This is a devastating loss to our nation and to the global community who owe a great debt of gratitude to the late Minister Molewa for her championship nationally and globally for the environmental integrity of a sustainable planet earth that can be shared and enjoyed by all nations and all people‚ rich and poor,” noted President Cyril Ramaphosa in an official statement.
The Minister was well known for her advocacy within biodiversity conservation, she championed the conservation of SA’s fauna and flora and fought for more security groups to be brought on board to tackle rhino poaching. In addition to this, she helped orchestrate the adoption and implementation of South Africa’s Climate change response policy in 2011.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, 6 October 2018, in Pretoria, at a venue to be confirmed. Mourners can attend the daily evening prayer services which will be held at the Molewa residence at 19h00.
Social -TV last caught up with her at the opening of The Walter Sisulu Circle, where she highlighted the importance of conserving South Africa’s history, heritage, and environment.
Watch below.
