We are gathered here this morning, united in mourning. I have the very difficult task, personally so difficult to announce, that our beloved and respected Grizelda Cjiekella-Lecholo has passed away peacefully last night. She fought a brave fight and the warrior we have come to love and respect is resting.
We have lost a great daughter, colleague, friend, confidant, comrade and sister. Her humility, compassion and humanity earned her our love and profound and deep respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this sad time. To them we owe a debt of gratitude for selflessly sharing their daughter to enable the Northern Cape Provincial Government to create that better life we aspire for all our people.
The passing of MEC Cjiekella-Lecholo comes at a time when we are celebrating women’s month and she was one of the greatest ambassadors for women’s rights and the rights of the vulnerable. The Teaching fraternity has immensely benefitted from her guidance, leadership and activism. Our condolences also go out to her family in the teaching profession and to officials in the Department of Education. MEC Cjiekella-Lecholo has laid a very strong foundation upon which you should continuously build and finish what she has started.
Our condolences to our comrades in the ANC, the Provincial Executive, the Women’s League and to all who have come to know; love and respect this remarkable woman.
We will make an application to the Presidency that MEC Cjiekella-Lecholo be accorded a Provincial official funeral. I have ordered that all flags of the Republic of South Africa in all Departments and Institutions be lowered to half-mast a day before the funeral and remain at half-mast until after the funeral.
As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that this remarkable woman personified. Let us be mindful of her wishes and the wishes of her family.
MEC Cjiekella-Lecholo you have come to rest. Your battle is over. We will continue to honour you. Rest in eternal peace our dear sister and friend.
Released by the Office of the Premier