Riyaz Patel
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed shock at the death of mineral resources deputy minister Bavelile Hlongwa who died in a car accident while travelling from Limpopo Friday night.
Reports suggest that a truck crashed into her vehicle, killing other first responders at the scene after the deputy minister had stopped to aid people who were involved in an earlier accident on the N1 at the Maubane bridge in Hammanskraal.
The president said he was saddened by the “devastating” news, describing Hlongwa’s sudden passing as a huge loss.
Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to the 38-year-old’s family, as well as stakeholders in business, labour and the community whom she worked with.
Presidency spokesperson Kusela Diko said Hlongwa was an ardent advocate for youth development.
“She was doing a lot of work on transformation in the mining industry.”
The President also expressed condolences to the families of the four other people who were killed in the accident.
