Joemat-Pettersson was not afraid to speak her mind: Parliament

Parliament has remembered the late former Energy Minister, Tina Joemat-Petterson, as an astute politician who used her skills and knowledge to advance legislative work to change the lives of ordinary South Africans.

 

The 59-year-old passed away at her home on Monday evening.

 

Details surrounding her cause of death are still sketchy at the moment.

 

The ANC Member of Parliament recently made headlines when she was named among the three MPs who allegedly solicited a R600 000 bribe from suspended Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

 

It is reported that Joemat-Petersson, ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina and Qubudile Dyanti claimed that they could squash the section 194 inquiry against Mkhwebane.

 

Mkhwebane is currently the subject of an inquiry looking into her fitness to hold office.

 

Joemat-Petterson served as a member of the Section 194 Ad hoc Committee and the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police since 2019.

 

The ANC MP previously served as the Minister of Agriculture from 2009 and 2014 and then moved to become the Minister of Energy from 2014 till 2017 under former President Jacob Zuma.

 

Parliament Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and NCOP Chairperson, Amos Masondo say Joemat-Pettersson’s passing is a great loss not only to her family and political party but the nation which she has served in various capacities.

“She exuded great energy, passion, and goodwill, and was not afraid to speak her mind. May her soul rest in peace,’ said the Parliament’s presiding officers.

 

ANC tribute

 

The governing party says death has robbed the movement and the people of South Africa of a humble, dependable and dedicated servant.

 

The ANC says Joemat-Pettersson will be remembered for her relentless spirit in her gender activism.

 

“All those who love justice, freedom and democracy will sorely miss her intellectual sharpness, political maturity and passion for defending those who are vulnerable in our society, especially women,” said ANC National spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu Motsiri.

 

She said Joemat-Pettersson’s life was a living example that revolutionary leaders are not born but emerge from experience.

 

Carl Niehaus’s Tribute

 

He says no stone must be left unturned in finding out what led to the death of the late former cabinet minister, adding that her death is sinister.

 

Niehaus says everything surrounding her apparent suicide and the whole bribery scandal must be thoroughly investigated.

 

“I met Tina years ago as a young member of the executive committee in the Northern Cape, she was full of ideas and committed to the revolution,” said Niehaus.

 

Cope’s tribute

 

Cope’s spokesperson, Dennis Bloem says Joemat-Petterson’s contribution to Parliament will never be forgotten.

 

“She was firm and a no-nonsense chairperson but a democrat,” said Bloem.

 

Bloem says Joemat-Petterson was a hard worker who loved her people and country.

 

“She will be remembered for her contribution to the liberation struggle to free the people of South Africa.”

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tribute

[Listen] President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged Joemat-Pettersson as an exceptional leader who dedicated herself to enhancing the quality of life in the Northern Cape, her home province, during the early years of South Africa's democracy. https://t.co/sBSY4MlXSS pic.twitter.com/xL5BBWEaLG

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 6, 2023