Limpopo education MEC dies

Limpopo education MEC Thembisile Nwedamutswu was a hardworking and committed leader, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said on Saturday.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of a comrade and colleague in that province," she said in a statement.

"We convey our condolences to her family, relatives and friends. She was a hardworking and committed leader and she will be sorely missed."

Nwedamutswu's career had been cut short in the department, as she had been appointed MEC only nine months ago, Motshekga said.

She showed "great leadership and potential", Motshekga said.

SABC news reported that Nwedamutswu died in a Pretoria hospital on Friday.

The department said she had been ill, but did not provide further details.

Nwedamutswu was chief executive officer of the Independent Development Trust and the treasurer of the African National Congress in Limpopo before she was appointed as a MEC.