The CGS is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Ms. Bavelile Hlongwa, last Friday, 13 September 2019. Ms. Bavelile Hlongwa was an aspiring, young and energetic leader who was passionate about the plight of women and youth in South Africa.
Whenever she took to the podium, she never missed the opportunity to reiterate the need to include women and youth in the mining and energy industry. She was passionate about women’s issues and youth empowerment. At the time of her passing, Ms Hlongwa had immersed herself in understanding how the various work of the Ministry and its SoEs contribute to growing the economy. The geoscience community, in particular, is in mourning and has been robbed of an energetic leader whose passion and gallantry will forever be missed. Her life has personified what it should mean to serve, even at the time of her untimely passing; she was still serving others, which is a testament to her character and leadership quality.
She will be buried in Durban, KZN, on the 21st of September 2019.
uLale kahle mbokodo, Rest in eternal Peace.
