Rustenburg - Messages of condolences poured in on Friday following the death of North West Social Development MEC Kgakgamatso Nkewu in a car accident in Vryburg.
The SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in North West said it was shocked at her death.
“We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Nkewu family, her colleagues in the Executive Council (Exco) and the ANC Provincial Executive Committee, the revolutionary alliance, broader mass democratic movement as well as employees in the department of social development mourning her tragic death. Our communities share their grief because her untimely death has robbed them of a courageous, dedicated and humble servant who was less than two months in her new position of responsibility in Exco,” said provincial Sanco chairman Sebegoe.
“Comrade Kgakgamatso was a rising star who was equal to her dual tasks and executed them with distinction. Her death on the eve of the local government elections has left a huge void.”
Nkewu died on Thursday after her car hit a cyclist and overturned. She was ejected from the car and died at the scene. The cyclist also died at the scene. Two of Nkewu’s VIP protectors survived the accident and were taken to hospital. Both are reportedly in a critical condition. The vehicle caught fire after the accident. Nkewu was travelling from Mahikeng to Taung when the accident occurred on the N18 near Vryburg.
Nkewu, who was the provincial treasurer of the ANC in North West and the deputy provincial chairperson of the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL), was appointed the new social development MEC in May this year.
The ANCWL said it has lost a dedicated member.
“The members of the ANCWL have lost a dedicated cadre of the struggle. At all times she upheld the principles of the ANC and worked tirelessly to advance the National Democratic Revolution,” said national spokesperson Toko Xasa.
She said Nkewu served in the youth structures of the mass democratic movement which saw her evolve into an astute political activist who later served as the ANC provincial treasurer in North West Province.
“She was an embodiment of a revolutionary, a patriot and a true servant of the South African nation. Her passing is a great loss to the country and shall be remembered for her contribution in the fight for gender equality. Her untimely death pierces right through our hearts, a spear has fallen. The ANCWL conveys it’s heartfelt condolences to Cde Kgakgamatso’s family, friends and relatives, may they find solace in knowing that they are in our prayers in these trying times.”
The Democratic Alliance in North West also extended its sympathies to Nkewu’s family.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and the ANC. We convey our sympathy to the family of the cyclist who died in the same accident. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time of bereavement,” said Jacqueline Theologo, DA North West chief whip.
North West Legislature Speaker Sussana Dantjie thanked the MEC’s family for allowing her to serve the people of the province.
“Thank you for allowing her to serve our people in the manner that she did. Despite the loss of the physical presence of our beloved stalwart we know that God has assigned her to watch over you throughout your lives, Her physical presence may be no more but her legacy lives on,” Dantjie said.
The ANC in North West said her death was a big loss for the ANC.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Cde Nkewu’s family and friends. This is a big loss for the organisation, the province and South Africa. We also send our condolences to the family of a cyclist who passed on in the same accident and wish Cde Nkewu’s protectors Sergeant Mosadi and Constable Tiro a speedy recovery,” the party said in a statement.
“We have lost a dedicated cadre of the movement, whose selflessness contributed immensely to the ANC. Even at the time that she lost her life, Cde Nkewu was on her way to perform her revolutionary work in Taung, of ensuring that the ANC emerges victorious in the forthcoming local government elections.”
African News Agency