Mantashe, Cosatu praise Hlongwa
THE OUTPOURING of messages of condolence for Bavelile Hlongwa, the late Deputy Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, was “going to break mountains”.
So said Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who worked closely with Hlongwa since May this year. She died in a car crash in Limpopo on Friday night while trying to help a motorist who was involved in a accident.
Speaking outside Hlongwa’s house in Durban yesterday where he had gone to send his condolences, Mantashe said unlike other departments where the deputy minister is constantly engaged in some form of competition, that was not the case with them.
“You know when she was put as the deputy minister I said to everybody I want to work with her because she is scenic and I am equally scenic, our combination is going to break mountains. I think this premature death has robbed the country of energy and the future,” Mantashe said.
He said the fact that Hlongwa died while trying to help a motorist was testimony of her true character, a person who was always willing and ready to help others.
Meanwhile, Cosatu said Hlongwa was playing a pivotal role in defining and shaping a more radical phase of “our national democratic revolution”.
Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said Hlongwa used both her previous position as an executive deputy chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency NYDA and as deputy minister to push for fundamental change.
Pamla said the country has lost a sterling and an outstanding young leader who had an immeasurable impact on the country’s economic transformation project.
“She will always be remembered and honoured as one of the key role-players in pushing for a people-centred economic developmental model. She would also be remembered for her leadership qualities and commitment to the cause of youth and women empowerment. In an age of selfishness, she was still a leader who was grounded and humble.
“We owe it to her memory to make sure that we never weaken the transformative foundations she laid down, in her lifelong commitment to promoting social justice and economic emancipation for the poor majority,” Pamla said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a provincial funeral for Hlongwa who is likely to be buried this weekend.