MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS EDNA MOLEWA HAS PASSED AWAY

The government has announced that the memorial service for the late Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa will be held on Wednesday, 3 October, in Pretoria. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, 6 October 2018, in Pretoria.

Ms Edna Molewa passed away on Saturday after being admitted to a Gauteng hospital earlier this month. She served the South African government in many portfolios. She was the Premier of the North West between 2004 and 2009. Thereafter she was appointed Social Development Minister between 2009 and 2010. Molewa was appointed as Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in 2010 before the two portfolios were split after the 2014 general elections. She maintained the Environmental Affairs portfolio until her passing.

In July this year, Molewa was awarded the Officier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur (Officer in the French Legion of Honour), one of France’s top honours for her contribution to the liberation struggle, women’s rights and her illustrious effort in environmental protection.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared an Official Funeral (category 1) for Minister Molewa.

Official Funeral Category 1 is for serving Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Premiers and distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also declared a period of mourning and ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide and at South African diplomatic missions abroad.