Kolisile’s bodyguard Tebogo Motsie and driver, Tshepo Jobo were also killed when Kolisile’s vehicle reportedly collided head-on with a truck.
The ANC said the accident took place on the N6 near Reddersburg. Kolisile was en route to the funeral of an ANC member in the Eastern Cape.
Kolisile was described as a "committed" public servant, whose dedication to the poor was "admirable".
On Saturday, Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane said Kolisile would receive an official provincial funeral, adding that his family was receiving counselling.
According to Eye Witness News, Mokonyane said Kolisile steered his portfolio with “vigour”. She added that the late MEC’s commitment to the poor was “admirable”.
Cosatu said it was “shocked and saddened” by Kolisile’s death, and send its condolences to the MEC and the driver and bodyguard’s family and friends.
Kolisile was a former Young Communist League national committee member and former chairperson of the SA Communist Party in Gauteng.
YCLSA spokesperson Khaya Xaba said: “As the YCLSA we send our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.”
Proudly South African chief executive, Advocate Lesley Sedibe said the country had lost a “disciplined cadre”.
"He was committed to the struggle against poverty and improving the living conditions of the poor and marginalised and the development of young entrepreneurs in Gauteng.
“The Management and staff of Proudly South African wish to express their sincere and heartfelt condolences to Kolisile's wife Nosakhe, his son Skhumbuzo, daughters Nomakhithi and Ntombi as well as his relatives, friends and colleagues.
"Nkosiphendule was a proud South African who will also be remembered for his excellent track record in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. He was always willing to listen to the views of others even if he did not necessarily share the same ideological stance of his opponents. This, in turn, earned him therespect of friends and foes alike. We mourn with his family, friends and colleagues – and we wish them strength and comfort during this difficult time," Sedibe said.
'Committed to the end'
Many South Africans took to Twitter, praising Kolisile for his work in government.
SABC presidential correspondent, Mzwandile Mbeje tweeted:
Eye Witness News reporter, Mandy Wiener tweeted:
Young Communist League spokesman for the Eastern Cape, Thabang Maseko said:
City Press editor, Ferial Haffajee tweeted:
Daily Maverick columnist, Ranjeni Munusamy said: