The sudden death of former energy minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson has raised eyebrows, as her recent involvement in alleged extortion came to light just before her untimely passing.
Tina Joemat-Pettersson was linked to bribery case before mystery death
As reported by News24, on the day Joemat-Pettersson died, the National Assembly announced that investigations would be conducted regarding the extortion allegations.
Reports emerged two weeks ago suggesting that Joemat-Pettersson had requested a bribe from David Skosana, the husband of suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, in order to influence the Section 194 inquiry investigating Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office.
Joemat-Pettersson was a member of the committee overseeing the inquiry.
It was alleged that shortly before she died, Joemat-Pettersson had acted as an intermediary in discussions on behalf of the committee’s chairperson, Qubudile Dyantyi, and ANC chief whip, Pemmy Majodina.
Dyantyi and Majodina have denied the allegations, while Joemat-Pettersson welcomed a police investigation into the matter.
The Sunday World publication released screenshots of WhatsApp messages, purportedly between Joemat-Pettersson and Skosana, supporting the allegations.
In response, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula stated that Mkhwebane needed to file a complaint with the Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.
On the day of Joemat-Pettersson’s passing, Mapisa-Nqakula confirmed that Mkhwebane had reported the allegations, leading to an investigation by the Ethics and Members Committee.
The news of Joemat-Pettersson’s death also prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to express his condolences, praising her dedication to improving the quality of life in the Northern Cape and her contributions to national portfolios.
“We have lost a remarkable leader who dedicated herself to improving the quality of life in her home province of the Northern Cape in the early years of our democracy before assuming national responsibilities in key portfolios.
“We will miss the passion and vigour with which Tina Joemat-Pettersson fought for a better South Africa from the rural villages of the Northern Cape to the benches of Parliament and international platforms.
“May her soul rest in peace.”
In a joint statement, Mapisa-Nqakula and Amos Masondo, the chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, honored Joemat-Pettersson as a seasoned politician and lawmaker.
Her passing was described as a great loss to her family, political party, and the nation, highlighting her significant contributions to legislative work and her unwavering passion for a better South Africa.
Majodina, expressing shock at Joemat-Pettersson’s death, acknowledged her service to the government and Parliament in various capacities.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), as the official opposition in Parliament, also extended their condolences, acknowledging the challenges Joemat-Pettersson faced in her personal life.
Throughout her career, Joemat-Pettersson held numerous leadership positions, including in the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, the SA Communist Party, and the ANC. She served as a member of Parliament, held ministerial positions in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and energy, and was elected to various ANC committees.
While Joemat-Pettersson’s career was not without controversy, with involvement in the sale of South African oil reserves and the overturned nuclear power cooperation deal with Russia, her passing has left many wondering about the events leading up to her mysterious death.
As investigations into the allegations of extortion and Joemat-Pettersson’s passing continue, her contributions and the challenges she faced throughout her political journey will be remembered by those who knew and worked with her.