MEDIA STATEMENT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Attention Journalists and News Editors Pretoria, 07 October 2018 MINISTER BATHABILE DLAMINI BIDS FAREWELL TO DR BOMO EDNA MOLEWA The Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, bid farewell to Dr Bomo Edna Molewa who passed away after a short illness a week ago. South Africa has lost one of the greatest of our time. Minister Molewa played an important role in our struggle for the liberation of the people of this this country. She served our nation with integrity and unwavering patriotism. She had knowledge of how government function and an aptitude for working with people. “On a personal level, I will always remember Comrade Edna as a unionist, gender and political activist, a friend, a mother and humble servant of our people. She was a highly principled cadre of our movement.” she said. Minister Molewa was a tireless advocate for women’s rights and gender development in our country. She was elected the first woman Chairperson of the ANC in the North West Province, later appointed the first woman Premier of the same province. In 2009, she was elected to serve in the national Cabinet. “Her contributions to the republic were enduring, throughout her political career she challenged many social ills and fought for what she believed in”. She protected many around her, regardless of their politically affiliation and social background. “Those who have worked with Comrade Edna can attest that she was politically astute, firm and decisive leader. She was a hard worker par excellence who was always prepared to put her hands in the mud and lead from the front, but not in boisterous manner” said Minister Dlamini. Good bye our sister, comrade, and colleagues. You made everyone her feel special; she was a loving, caring and great lead. She will be greatly missed by all. The Minister and the Department of Women extends her heartfelt condolences to Dr Molewa’s family, friends and her comrades in the Mass Democratic Movement. May her soul rest in peace! .