The death of Dr Molefi Sefularo is a monumental loss for the nation and the progressive movement as a whole, President Jacob Zuma said on Monday.
Deputy Health Minister Sefularo died in a car accident in Pretoria West earlier on Monday.
“He was a dedicated, committed, energetic and highly capable servant of the people. He has served this country exceptionally well as a cadre of the ANC, as an MEC [provincial minister] and at the time of his death, as the deputy Minister of Health,” Zuma said in a statement.
He described Sefularo as a highly skilled and eloquent leader who provided sound leadership by assisting Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to steer a very busy department pivotal to the strategy of changing how government works.
“He was one of the sharpest medical minds in our country. We were still awaiting sterling work from him in the roll-out of the new HIV and Aids treatment and prevention plan that was announced in December last year,” Zuma said.
“Working together, the minister and deputy minister made a formidable team that ensured excellent performance by the department.
“We are devastated by the news [of his death]. Our hearts go out to the family during this period of shock, pain and disbelief,” Zuma said. — Sapa