African National Congress (ANC) NEC member Biolate Siwela was buried at Chatelle cemetery in Bushbuckridge Mpumalanga.
Mr Siwela died last week in a hospital in Pretoria. Mr. Siwela was described as a selfless leader who worked to build unity within the alliance.
ANC leaders called on their members to honor Siwela's memory by ensuring his victory in the upcoming provincial and national elections.
ANC deputy president Paul Mashatil said winning the next election would be a great credit to Mr Siwela's legacy.
“Her passing comes as we know she would have demonstrated her dedication to her country and its people by fighting to ensure victory for the African National Congress in the coming elections this year. The time has come. Comrade Violet urges all South Africans to rally behind the flag of the ANC and, on behalf of the organization, continue to support the ANC to improve on what it has achieved over the past 30 years. We encourage all efforts to involve the public.”
In the video below, the ANC pays tribute to Violet Siwela.
Condolences for Siwela continue to pour in.
ANC Secretary-General Pemmy Majodina said Mr Siwela would be remembered for his passion for his work.
“Mama Siwela was someone you could count on 24 hours a day. She was a workaholic. She understood the role of Congress. She respected the Constitution. She respected schedules when it came to passing bills. She took in new members, especially those who didn't know how Congress worked. She was a woman of note.”
Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, said Siwela’s contribution to small and medium enterprises is great.
“We remember her great achievements. This Portfolio Committee succeeded in passing the Small and Medium Enterprises Amendment Bill for the first time in 10 years, as this will change the way the entrepreneurial ecosystem works. It's a bill that everyone is looking forward to. It establishes the structure.”
Siwela's political career was marked by important roles and contributions to Mpumalanga and the nation as a whole. She previously served as Her MEC for Human Settlements and then as Her MEC for Agriculture. Additionally, she served as the provincial speaker of the Mpumalanga provincial assembly, transitioning to parliament in 2018 under the government of former prime minister and former vice president David Mabuza.
National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces President Amos Masondo praised Siwela as a passionate lawmaker who was committed to the emancipation of the majority of poor South Africans. Mr Siwela last appeared in parliament on Monday this week, updating committee members on his health.
Mr Mapisa Nqakula and Mr Masondo expressed their deep sadness over Mr Siwela's untimely death.
