The Congress of South African Trade Unions mourn the untimely death of Deputy Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Cde Bavelile Hlongwa, who died in a car crash in Limpopo on Friday night. We send our deepest condolences to her family, colleagues and friends.

Comrade Bavelile Hlongwa was playing a pivotal role in defining and shaping a more radical phase of our National Democratic Revolution. She used both her previous position as an executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and as a Deputy Mineral Resources and Energy Minister to push for fundamental change.

South Africa has lost a sterling and an outstanding young leader who had an immeasurable impact on the country’s economic transformation project. She will always be remembered and honoured as one of the key role-players in pushing for a people-centred economic developmental model. She would also be remembered for her leadership qualities and commitment to the cause of youth and women empowerment. The fact that she tragically died while extending e helping hand to another motorist says a lot about the calibre of the person she was. In an age of selfism, she was still a leader who was grounded and humble. 

We owe it to her memory to make sure that we never weaken the transformative foundations she laid down, in her lifelong commitment to promoting social justice and economic emancipation for the poor majority.

May her Soul Rest in Peace!

Issued by COSATU

Sizwe Pamla (National Spokesperson)

Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 6794