IMC update on memorial and funeral services for the late Minister Edna Molewa
Members of the IMC present,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We meet here today to update you on the arrangements for the official memorial and official funeral of Minister Edna Molewa as members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on State Funerals.
The late Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, who passed on in the morning on Saturday, 22 September 2018 at the age of 61 will be accorded an Official Funeral (category 1). The Official Funeral Category 1 is for Serving Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Premiers of Provinces, distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa.
Dr Molewa served the South African Government at many portfolios. She distinguished herself in many fields, and had most recently been bestowed with the Officier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur (or Officer in the French Legion of Honour) by the French Government. The Legion of Honour celebrated Minister Molewa’s commitment to South Africa, the struggle for freedom and democracy, women’s rights and the fight against climate change.
In 1994 she was amongst the first group of Parliamentarians in the new democratic parliament and was the first female Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry.
Her career in environmental conservation began in 1996 when she was Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) responsible for environment in the North West province. She headed-up the environmental management, conservation and tourism functions in various Provincial government departments – namely Tourism, Environment and Conservation (1996 to 1998); Economic Development and Tourism (1998 to 2000); and Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (2000 to 2004).
In 2004 she became the first woman Premier of North West Province. In 2009 she was appointed to Cabinet as the Minister of Social Development and in 2010 as Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs. In 2014 she was then appointed the Minister of Environmental Affairs a position she held till her passing on 22 September 2018.
The Official Memorial Service for Minister Molewa will be held on Wednesday, 03 October 2018 at the Tshwane Events Centre, Hall J at 10h00. The Official Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 06 October 2018 from 08h00 at Tshwane Events Center Hall J and proceed to Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria West. The funeral service will be open to members of the public.
Mourners may attend evening prayer services which will be held at the Molewa residence at 19h00 daily unit Friday, 05 October 2018.
Those who wish to send messages of condolence and support to the family and friends are advised to make use of condolence books available at the following places:
Condolence books have been placed at:
- The Molewa family residence;
- The Union Buildings;
- Department of Environmental Affairs Offices in Pretoria and Cape Town;
- Premiers’ office in all provinces;
- Sefako Makgatho University;
- Vaal University of Technology;
- South African National Parks;
- South African National Biodiversity Institute;
- South African Weather Service
The public may also send messages of condolence via social media utilising the following hashtags #Molewamemorial #Molewafuneral and they can tag the following account @GovernmentZA.
On behalf of the government of South Africa, the IMC appreciates the various tributes and messages received from various governments, institutions and individuals. We urge all South Africans to preserve the memory of Minister Molewa and the contribution she has made in building a prosperous South Africa.
Thank you.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139
