Vernie Petersen, the director general of the department of sport and recreation and formerly the national commissioner of correctional services, died in Pretoria on Sunday morning.
He was 52.
“Mr Petersen died this morning,” department spokesperson Paena Galane said.
“He leaves his wife and two children.
“The minister is deeply saddened by his death. We will issue a full statement on Monday morning.”
DA MP James Selfe said Petersen was “a hugely dedicated and conscientious” public servant.
“He did much to restore the reputation of the department of correctional services,” Selfe said. “His untimely passing leaves a large gap in the public service, and we extend our sincerest condolences to his colleagues, and his family.”
Petersen was transferred to the department of sport by former Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour.
Anti-graft stance
Petersen, who’s anti-graft stance had sparked several battles between he and Balfour, once lodged a complaint with Parliament’s ethics committee about the possibility of a conflict of interest in connection with allegations that Balfour failed to declare a luxury 4×4 car as a gift.
The car was financed by a company linked to the Bosasa group, which won multimillion-rand tenders from Balfour’s department.
Petersen had also suspended Balfour’s right-hand man, Patrick Gillingham, a correctional services’ regional commissioner, over allegations of corruption involving multimillion-rand tenders.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) also paid tribute to Petersen.
“South African cricket mourns the loss of Mr Petersen, who was a great ally of South African sport in general and cricket in particular,” CSA CEO Gerald Majola said.
“He had outstanding administrative qualities which he coupled most successfully with his determination to further the progress of South African sport.
“The CSA’s heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.” — Sapa