Johannesburg - The secretary of Parliament, Michael Coetzee, died following a battle with cancer, the ANC said on Saturday.
“Although we have known of his poor health for some time, his resilient and tenacious spirit in the face of this terminal disease gave us hope that he would get stronger,” the party's chief whip Stone Sizani said in a statement.
“He continued to serve even as he battled with the disease, playing a key role in the transition process from the fourth to the fifth Parliament and putting in place necessary administrative mechanisms and instruments for the functioning of the new term of Parliament.”
Coetzee died on Friday night.
He joined Parliament in 2002 as its deputy secretary after being secretary of the Gauteng legislature for a number of years. Coetzee was appointed secretary of Parliament in 2012.
“His passing has undoubtedly robbed Parliament and the people of South Africa of a faithful and humble public servant, a highly experienced and diligent administrator, and a committed and passionate leader,” Sizani said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, son and the rest of the family and friends on this painful loss.” - Sapa