Pretoria – The late Public Service and Administration Minister, Collins Chabane, was a loving person who would speak to anyone regardless of position, says an official from his department.
A sombre mood filled the Department of Public Service and Administration building on Tuesday afternoon in Pretoria. A condolence book has been placed for the staff and members of the public to send their messages to the Chabane family.
Minister Chabane passed away in a road collision together with two of his protectors on the N1 highway near Polokwane on Sunday morning.
SAnews spoke to some officials who expressed shock and sadness on the untimely death of Minister Chabane.
Many described Chabane as someone who was always in a jovial mood.
Nthabeleng Mathabatha, who works at a nearby building, came to the department to write a message of condolence to the Chabane family.
He described Chabane as a true cadre, who was very intelligent and could deal with any situation.
He told SAnews that Minister Chabane’s untimely departure is a great loss to the department and to the country as a whole.
“People of Chabane’s calibre are the ones we need to move the country forward. These are the people who fought for our hard-earned democracy,” he said.
A prayer session was held at the department yesterday after officials were informed of the tragedy.
A memorial service for Minister Chabane will be held on Thursday at 12h00 at Pretoria City Hall.
Condolence books have been placed at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Tuynhuys and Parliament in Cape Town, the Department of Public Service and Administration at Johannes Ramokhoase Street in Pretoria and the Office of the Premier in Limpopo province.
The Presidency has also created a special email address to ensure that all messages of condolences reach the President and the Chabane family.
Members of the public can send their messages to communication@presidency.gov.za.
The Presidency has announced that the Minister will be accorded an official funeral on Sunday.
President Zuma has also ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag posts in the Republic on the day of the funeral.
The Minister home village of Xikundu. – SAnews.gov.za
