Siwela putting her point across during ANC meeting
By Kopano Dibakwane
One of the most recognised and outspoken politicians in Mpumalanga, Violet Sizani Siwela(67), passed away on Wednesday 17 January.
The Provincial Government issued a statement to extend its condolences to Siwela’s family, also detailing her extensive contribution as a Ward Councillor under the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, MEC for DARDLEA( Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), MEC for Human Settlement and Speaker of the Provincial Legislature.
Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, said Siwela has served the citizens of Mpumalanga with distinction, as a deployee of the ANC(African National Congress).
“ Siwela’s attributes as a leader with strong ethics and humility, is imprinted in the housing and agricultural programmes that were implemented during her tenure in both departments.
“Her war against poverty was a writing on the wall, with the construction of many houses to shelter citizens in distress, as evidence. She went beyond the call of duty to implement poverty-alleviation programmes, as part of food security in Mpumalanga. We convey our condolences to Siwela’s family. May her soul rest in peace,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.
Siwela ascended to the National Assembly(NA) in 2019 as a Member of Parliament and at the time of her passing she was serving as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Small Enterprises.
The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly ,Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces(NCOP), Amos Masondo, released a joint statement acknowledging Siwela’s lifelong dedication to serving the nation and her legacy of compassion and selflessness towards the people of South African.
“ She was passionate about the economic liberation of the nation’s previously marginalised majority and through her leadership of the Portfolio Committee on Small Enterprises, exemplified an unwavering commitment to achieving a significant and transformative shift in the economic landscape.
” At the time of her passing, she was leading efforts within the Portfolio Committee to draft groundbreaking legislation aimed at empowering small businesses and ensuring their meaningful contribution to economic growth,” said the Parliament Presiding Officers.
