Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha is mourning the sudden passing of his wife, Maggie Mathabatha, who fell ill for a short time.
The death has deeply impacted Mathabatha’s political party, the African National Congress (ANC), which has expressed its condolences to the mourning family.
“The ANC Limpopo is profoundly saddened by the passing on of Comrade Maggie Mathabatha, the beloved wife of ANC Limpopo Chairperson and Premier, Comrade Chupu Stanley Mathabatha. Comrade Maggie Mathabatha passed on this morning after a brief illness, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew her,” said ANC provincial spokesperson Jimmy Machaka.
“The ANC in Limpopo extends its deepest condolences to Comrade Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, the bereaved family, friends, and the people of Limpopo. Comrade Maggie Mathabatha was a woman of extraordinary character and unwavering dedication.”
Machaka said Maggie was a kind person who gave the province of Limpopo strength in the past 10 years.
“As the patron of the Limpopo First Lady Trust since 2013, she exemplified compassion and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the socio-economic landscape of the province. Her tireless efforts in championing the rights and well-being of disadvantaged individuals will be forever remembered by her family, friends, and the people of Limpopo.
“During her tenure, Comrade Maggie Mathabatha played a pivotal role in uplifting underprivileged families. Her selfless commitment will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of those she touched,” he said.
Machaka stated that Mathabatha’s office would provide further updates regarding funeral arrangements, adding that the community would be allowed to pay their respects to “this remarkable woman who has left an indelible impact on Limpopo and its people.”
More condolences are expected from different leaders across the broader South African landscape.
It’s not the first time that a Limpopo premier has lost a spouse.
In 2009, former Premier Sello Moloto lost his wife, Ramokone, who died of liver cancer at the age of 40.
