The Director-General of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA), Mr Vernie Petersen, passed away on 27 February 2011 after a short illness. He was 52.
Mr Petersen was well-respected in the sporting community and especially among national and provincial sports leaders, and his capable leadership and insight will be sorely missed by them.
His absence will especially be felt at SRSA, where he has made a significant impact on the running of the organisation and sport on a national level.
Addressing an emergency SRSA management meeting, the Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Gert Oosthuizen said: " In Mr Petersen we have not only lost a colleague; but we have also lost a friend; a seasoned administrator in the civil service, with a proud history of fighting for the liberation of our country; and a man with deep roots in the church”.
Mr Petersen is survived by his wife and two children.
The Chief Operating Officer of SRSA, Ms Sumayya Khan, who has been acting as Director-General during Mr Petersen's illness, will continue to do so until a new Director-General is appointed. His funeral arrangements will be announced during the course of the week.
Source: Sport and Recreation South Africa
