Political parties expressed their sadness at the news of the death of United Christian Democratic Party president Mavis Matladi on Saturday.
The African Democratic Party said Matladi would be missed for her wise counsel and lively contribution in Parliament.
“We have come to respect Mrs Matladi for her diligent commitment and exceptional ability to co-operate closely with members of all political parties,” said African Christian Democratic party president Kenneth Meshoe in a statement.
The Democratic Alliance also paid tribute to Matladi as a “hard-working and principled Member of Parliament, who always sought to make a positive contribution to South African politics”.
DA MP Lindiwe Mazibuko said she would be missed in Parliament.
Both parties extended their condolences to Matladi's family, friends and colleagues.
Matladi, 53, died at the Milpark Hospital on Friday morning. She was admitted to the hospital on November 12 with breathing problems.
She was elected as UCDP's leader in January after the expulsion of its founder Lucas Mangope, who governed Bophuthatswana from 1977 until 1994 when the homelands were scrapped.
The UCDP is a minor political party based in North West. - Sapa