Free State health MEC Fundiswa “Fezi” Ngubentombi was a vibrant and active member of the ANC Women's League's national executive committee, the league said in tribute to her on Monday.
“Comrade Fezi was taken from us far too soon, she still had so much to contribute to the people of South Africa,” said African National Congress Women's League spokeswoman Troy Martens.
Ngubentombi and one of her bodyguards, Sergeant BC Motaung, were killed in a car crash on Saturday.
A child - believed to be related to Ngubentombi - and a VIP protection unit policeman were injured in the crash and were in a stable condition in hospital, police said on Sunday.
Martens said Fezi's death had come with “a great sense of disbelief” as she had only recently participated in an NEC meeting, and been involved in organisational work in North West.
“She was deployed as convenor of the province and assisted them with preparations for their provincial conference,” she said.
The ANCWL conveyed its condolences to her family and to the Free State government.
“Our condolences also go out to the VIP protection unit driver who also passed away in the accident,” said Martens.
It also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. - Sapa