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8 May 2006

North West MEC for Public Works, honourable Howard Yawa today Monday, 8 May 2006, conveyed a message of condolence to the Sigcau family and the Qawukeni Royal House on the occasion of the passing away of Minister of Public Works, Ms Stella Nomzamo Sigcau.

Minister Sigcau passed away on Sunday night, 7 May 2006, at the St Augustine Hospital in Durban where she had been admitted two weeks ago into the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following cardiac and kidney related complications.

Minister Sigcau devoted close to 40 years of her working life to the service of the people of South Africa. In 1994 she was appointed Minister of Public Enterprise under former President Nelson Mandela. In 1999 she became the Minister of Public Works and was into her second term of the portfolio committee when she passed away at the age of 69.

MEC Yawa's message of condolence reads as follows: ”It is with great sadness that we received the news of the passing away of Minister Stella Sigcau, Princess of the Qawukeni Royal House. Please accept our sincere condolences on behalf of the North West Department of Public Works and provincial stakeholders in the construction sector and be assured of our prayers at this time of great sorrow."

"Although Minister Sigcau struggled with poor health in recent years, everybody believed that she was on her way to recovery. Her death comes as a shock to all of us. She fought against her illness with bravery and good humour. Women and rural communities have lost in her a champion for unity, development and democracy."

"We trust that that you will, in mourning the death of this selfless community worker, a courageous and remarkable servant of the people also be able to celebrate her life, her achievements, commitment and dedication to serve the government and people of South Africa. May her children, your family and the Qawukeni Royal House receive solace during this period of grief."

Contact:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 387 2447
Cell: 083 629 1987

Issued by: Department of Public Works, North West Provincial Government
8 May 2006