African National Congress Member of Parliament Mxolisi Sokhatsha has died in a car crash at the age of 57.
Sokhatsha, who had been a member of the Portfolio Committee of Health since joining Parliament in 2019, lost his life in a car crash on Friday night.
Presiding officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula, and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Amos Masondo, on Saturday, said in a statement that they were “shocked and saddened”.
They said Sokhatsha’s untimely death “was devastating and deeply painful”.
“Sokhatsha served South Africa, particularly his province of the Northern Cape, with great selflessness, commitment and passion,” said the statement.
He served the province in various capacities, including as the first Mayor of Richmond after the 1994 democratic breakthrough.
Sokhatsha was also a provincial legislator and a member of the executive in various portfolios such as roads and public works as well as health.
“Parliament and the people of this country have been robbed of a devoted public representative with an untiring commitment to the service of the people,” said the statement.
“In his passing, we have not only lost an astute legislator, but a true leader, patriot, and a servant who always went an extra mile to serve his people.
“His contributions to the various parliamentary sittings and committee meetings advanced and strengthened the oversight mandate of Parliament.
“His experience, particularly in health, greatly bolstered parliamentary oversight and the institution’s role during the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The presiding officers have conveyed their “heartfelt condolences to Sokhatsha’s family, friends and comrades”.
