Parliament shocked by untimely death of minister

The Parliament of South Africa has learnt with shock the sad news of the untimely death of Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, the legislature said in a statement on Saturday. Presiding officers, National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete and National Council of Provinces chairperson Thandi Modise, "have run short of words to express their deep sorrow and disbelief at losing such a fine and dedicated servant leader of the people, and one of the longest serving members of parliament", said spokesperson Manelisi Wolela.