Presiding officers, National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete, and National Council of Provinces chairperson, Thandi Modise, "have run short of words to express their deep sorrow and disbelief at losing such a fine and dedicated servant leader of the people, and one of the longest serving members of parliament", the statement said.

Molewa’s passion for sustainable development, anchored on the full appreciation of the environment as the source of prosperity, growth, and human development, permeated every facet of parliament's work national and internationally, it said.

Molewa worked with absolute dedication and integrity since becoming an MP in 1994. Parliament cherished her contributions in building South Africa’s young parliament and all its systems, as she became the first woman chairperson of the trade and industry portfolio committee in 1994.

"Her passing on is a tragedy and a great loss to our country, the continent of Africa, and the world over, because minister Molewa leaves us at a critical time when some of the warnings about environmental degradation have come to pass. We trust that on the occasion of passing on millions more people in this country and across the world would make new pledges to spare no effort in protecting our environment. Parliament extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late minister Molewa. May her soul rest in peace."

Earlier on Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Molewa, 61, had died in a Pretoria hospital after a short illness.

African News Agency (ANA)