Picture: A generic picture depicting an accident/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
Seven people lost their lives in a horrific ‘head-on’ collision accident on N14 outside Vryburg on Sunday. North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said two sedans both registered in Gauteng Province, were traveling in opposite directions when they collided about 80 kilometres from Vryburg towards Kuruman.
“It is a tragedy and heart-wrenching. We would like to send our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. It was so sad that the Jaws of Life was used in a rescue operation, which in turn became recovery as all seven trapped passengers were deceased.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that four were females and three were males. Two of the deceased were identified and were from Morokweng, while the other one was from Ganyesa,” he said.
Lehari applauded those law enforcement officers who rushed to the accident scene to try and rescue those trapped inside the wreckage. He added that it was unfortunate that all involved passed on.
Investigation for the cause of the accident is underway.
Picture: ANC members on a peaceful march against ANC IPC in North West to remove troikas in municipalities
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The political factional battles continue to show its ugly head amongst ANC members in various municipalities. This comes after ANC municipal leaders, who have been ousted, decided to take a legal route as they deem their removals unconstitutional.
However, it seems the battle is far from over as even though the courts rule on their favours, they are now ousted either through petitions or motion of no confidence tabled against them.
The latest municipal leaders to be eliminated are Ratlou Local Municipality acting mayor, Mamoitsadi Phaedi and the municipal speaker, Oabile Seabelo who were removed through petition. The same process has also unfolded in Matlosana, Ditsobotla, Naledi, Maquassi Hills and Tswaing.
Ratlou Local Municipality spokesperson, Lesego Metsi said: “The municipal council has resolved to reinvent its Executive Council Committee (ECC) and replaced the acting mayor and the speaker during a virtual Special Council meeting held on 14 January 2021.
“The move by the council comes as an impulse to regain political stability that has been viewed as a stumbling block to service delivery and smooth administration within the institution. The council resolved to elect Segametsi Ntladi as the new mayor.”
He said that the council also took note of petition and vote of no confidence against the council speaker, Oabile Seabelo and further resolved to remove him from the position of the speaker and to apply consequence management processes against him. Agisanang Ramosidi was elected as the acting speaker.
Meanwhile, the council of Ditsobotla Local Municipality has ousted mayor, Daniel Buthelezi and his Executive Committee with a motion of no confidence, during a Special Council sitting held on 15 January 2021.
According to the municipality spokesperson, Pius Batsile, the majority of councillors have unanimously voted in favour of the removal of the entire Executive Committee during that meeting.
“The council of Ditsobotla has instituted the motion of no confidence on the entire Executive committee based on its lacklustre performance and total failure to bring reports to the council about the appointment of a new financial management system, which is attributed among others to the municipality not billing consumers and producing annual financial statements for auditing purposes.
“Furthermore, the council is convinced that the process of not billing consumers has adversely affected the cash flow of the municipality and impacted on the funding of key service delivery programmes,” Batsile said.
Tsholofelo Moreo was elected as the new mayor.
Some section of ANC members believes that the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) in the North West is behind the removals of those ANC municipal leaders to further its self-interest. They accused the IPC of trying to capture municipalities in quest of redirecting all tenders to their cronies and raise money for the upcoming Elective Provincial Conference campaigns.
However, the ANC IPC spokesperson, Kenny Morolong refuted those allegations and called them hogwash. He said the ANC IPC is not a homogenous body, so it cannot remove people with intentions of amassing resources for the conference.
“The ANC IPC in the North West would not have issued the instruction for the removal of the Ratlou Local Municipality’s Chief Whip because in our discussions to remove troikas in five municipalities, Ratlou was not part of them. Any decision to remove an ANC member who occupies public office will be deemed to be in defiance of the position of the organization with issues of the matter of deployment.
“Once the comrade is removed without the sanction of the structure of the organization, we will instruct the comrades involved to reverse that decision. So, IPC will not be under any circumstances given the instruction for the removal of the Ratlou Local Municipality,” Morolong said.
He further said they will respond appropriately to this development after receiving a written report. However, Morolong added that there was an instruction that the troikas in Matlosana and Ditsobatla step down.
“We have instructed these comrades to step down. Our view is that this development is indicative of the ongoing squabbles in the caucuses of these municipalities. We will at an appropriate time as the ANC, provide leadership in respect of the removal of these troikas.
“It will never happen without proper political guidance. So, we will provide requisite guidance on how these processes must ensue. We are going to act on everybody who has chosen to defy the process of the organization,” he said.
Morolong also said they are concerned about ill-discipline that continued to be displayed by some of the ANC members. He said they are going to take harsh actions against the embattled JB Marks Local Municipality mayor and the Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, Mpho Pilane.
“We are going to act on members of the troikas, the mayor of the JB Marks Local Municipality and the mayor of the Lekwa-Teemane. The ANC must prevail over its deployees and it is our responsibility to ensure that the instructions of the IPC is carried and implemented.
“We are disappointed that ANC deployees are yet to heed to the call of the organization. There are challenges of ill-discipline and improper conduct by ANC members and deployees within the organization,” he said.
Morolong said this is one reason why the IPC was established to rebuild, renew and unite the ANC. However, Morolong admits that they knew that they will come across members of the ANC under normal circumstance who want to defy the call to contribute to the unity of the ANC.
“There is also a committee that addresses those who are in the wrong. This matter continues to be handled by the IPC and we will continue to take disciplinary action against those members who continue to defy the decisions of the ANC. He said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said: “Actually at the main, is not about service delivery. It is about accessing the funds of the municipalities to enrich themselves. It has been proven that the reshuffling and the removals of individuals have not to bear any fruits.
“The only interest the ANC has is to enrich them. If you go to Ditsobotla for example, they have started with the Municipal Manager who resigned, and later on, they have ousted the Chief Whip and the mayor. The new ones who are already appointed in these positions, they have already started to talk about tenders.”
He said in the Matlosana Local Municipality, the same process is unfolding too. Babuile added that the ANC deployees are fighting over tenders there.
“If the concern was about service delivery, why are they not raising those points in their Portfolio Committees in various municipalities?” asked Babuile.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Chief Whip in North West, Freedy Sonakile shared the same sentiments. Sonakile said the removal of ANC municipal leaders by their own, is just a mere factional politics at play, nothing serious.
“Those that they are replacing them with had an oversight role to play and to point out at all wrongdoing but they kept quiet. They can’t only wake up 6 months before elections. What the people of North West need now is a new government, not recycled cadres,” he said.
A call for the imminent arrest of the Mpumalanga Province Premier, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane is growing after she was seen on the national TV walking around without wearing a mask.
This took place during the funeral procession of the late Minister in Presidency, Jackson Mthembu at Emalahleni in Mpumalanga on Sunday. Mthembu succumbed to COVID-19 related complications.
Twitter users did not mince their words and lambasted some of politicians and government officials who continue to break the COVID-19 Lockdown regulations of being the law unto themselves.
They call on the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele to arrest Mtsweni-Tsipane for breaking Lockdown regulations. Mtsweni-Tsipane was also seen hugging a police officer without wearing a mask.
However, Mtsweni-Tsipane later released a statement apologizing to all South Africans and argued that her mask was damaged. The part of the statement reads: “The Premier notes the images circulating on social media wherein she is seen without a mask as prescribed by the state of disaster regulation aimed at combating the spread of Covid-19.
“Upon arrival at the cemetery and disembarking from her vehicle, the Premier’s mask was damaged and the Premier was oblivious of the fact that it had fallen off. The Premier was of the belief that the mask was intact as had been the case throughout the proceedings.”
However, one Twitter user, @Omilly_N said: “She can’t disrespect us like this. My uncle got arrested for not wearing a mask. She must be arrested too! Another user, @fanafr said: “#ArrestRefilweMtsweni or else erases all the criminal records of those who were arrested for not wearing a mask.”
@dollar_mashesha said: “1st it was Mduduzi Manana, then it was the current Minister of Communication, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. They broke the COVID-19 regulations and got away with it. The same will apply to the Premier of Mpumalanga.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) shared the same sentiments. DA MPL in Mpumalanga, Jane Sithole said they call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to arrest and fine Mtsweni-Tsipane, following her non-compliance to wear a mask.
“It is ridiculous that the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, has now called for an investigation. Mtsweni-Tsipane’s failure to wear a mask at the funeral of the late Jackson Mthembu, was broadcasted live on national television in full view of all South Africans – there is no need for an investigation.
“Had this been an ordinary citizen, they would have already been arrested and fined, without any investigation. The DA condemns the blatant double standard that is on display when it comes to the treatment of ordinary South Africans compared to the treatment of ANC cadres during this lockdown,” Sithole said.
She further said Mtsweni-Tsipane must be subjected to the same treatment as any South African. Sithole added that Mtsweni-Tsipane should be arrested and fined R1 500, payable in her personal capacity.
“The weak excuse by the Premier’s Office that she did not notice her mask fell off (“she was oblivious of that when it fell”) is an insult to the intelligence of South Africans. We also call for Mtsweni-Tsipane to appear before the Portfolio Committees on the Premier’s Office; Finance; Economic Development and Tourism in the Mpumalanga Legislature.
“She will simply not get away with a slap on the wrist. If immediate action is not taken against the Premier, the DA will be left with no option but to open a case against her,” said Sithole.
The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele said that not wearing masks in public, is non-negotiable. Cele said if South Africa wants to beat this invisible enemy which is COVID-19, they simply can’t let our guard down.
“This is why I have spoken to the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole to look into the matter of the Premier and an investigation must be conducted and necessary action must be taken. I would like to remind all South Africans that the wearing of a mask in public is mandatory for every person, under the adjusted alert Level 3 Lockdown regulations.
“Any person who fails to comply with a verbal instruction by a law enforcement officer, to wear a mask, commits an offence, and is, upon conviction, liable to a fine or a period of imprisonment, not exceeding six months or both,” he said.
The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) calls on the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa to publicly table a detailed, costed and practical vaccine acquisition plan. DA Shadow Minister of Health, Siviwe Gwarube said Ramaphosa has a constitutional obligation – as does his entire Executive – to be transparent about the vaccine acquisition and distribution plan.
“We committed to approaching the courts for relief should this not be done within seven days. Time is now officially up and should the President and his team not publicly table a detailed, costed and practical vaccine acquisition plan by day end, we will proceed with the court action.
“Approaching the courts for relief is the last resort. Despite numerous calls by the DA, civil society, and the public for the government to showcase their plan for rolling out the life-saving vaccine, this has not been done,” Gwarube said.
He further said they are now relying on the precedent that was set during the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) case of 2002 against the department of health, where the courts determined that transparency was key in matters of public health like this one.
Gwarube added that they are now in an unenviable position where South Africa is meant to receive its first batch of vaccines before the end of January.
“We are still none the wiser about when exactly this batch is due to arrive and how the allocation to the provinces will be handled for its healthcare workers. In addition to the glaring questions which remain unanswered about this process, now there is clear evidence that the Department of Health was asleep at the wheel.
“A letter from Treasury states that the DoH only applied to them for deviation from the normal procurement processes for the acquisition of the vaccine on the 7th of January 2021. This is the clearest confirmation that the Executive has been slow-footed in the process of acquiring this vaccine,” he said.
Gwarube said now the country is scrambling and being charged exorbitant fees, but still nowhere near getting the volume of vaccines that is so desperately needed. He said South Africa has no clarity on the exact timelines of the vaccination process including the acquisition, logistics, and distribution.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said the country will soon receive its first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines from the Serum Institute in India, which is the world’s largest vaccine producer. He said it will signal the start of a mass vaccination campaign that will be the most ambitious and extensive in our country’s history.
“It will reach all parts of the country and will be phased to ensure that those most in need are prioritised. The first vaccines to arrive will be provided to health care workers, who will be targeted in the first phase.
“The second phase will include essential workers, teachers, the elderly, and those with co-morbidities. The third phase will include other adults in the population. A comprehensive rollout strategy and an accompanying logistical framework will be implemented in partnership with the private sector, civil society, traditional leadership, the religious sector, and others,” said Ramaphosa.
He further said it is vital that this is a society-wide campaign, in which everyone is involved and no-one is left behind. Ramaphosa said a year after the novel coronavirus started spreading around the world, the arrival of the vaccine gives great hope for the country’s social and economic recovery – and, most importantly, for the health of our people.
(Source Facebook): Lesedi FM’s popular presenter, Nyakallo Ba2cada Leine
By OBAKENG MAJE
SABC’s Lesedi FM radio presenter, Motseki Godfrey Nyakallo Leine (40) arrested for fraud by the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. The Hawks spokesperson in Free State, Capt Christopher Singo said the popular radio presenter, Ba2cada who is affectionately known to his listeners, appeared in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on Thursday.
“It is alleged that over the period from 2014 to 2018, Motseki submitted false Value Added Tax (VAT) returns. Subsequently the South African Revenue Services (SARS) was prejudiced and suffered a total loss exceeding R1.7 million.
“A preliminary probe by SARS was reported to the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigations in November 2019, which resulted in his arrest and first appearance in court,” Singo said.
He further said the case against Ba2cada was postponed to 22 February 2021 in order to set a date for a trial.
Meanwhile, Ba2cada tried to pour cold water on the matter. He posted a message on his Facebook account.
“Hey guys, most people are concerned that Ba2cada o tshwerwe (has been arrested) about tax issues. No, it is not true, but yes I have issues with tax returns just like any business person with SARS. Unfortunately, as young business people, this is the challenge that most of us face with the taxman, but this shouldn’t scare anyone to enter into business.
“We are all going to pass the stage where you will be forced to have an accountant responsible to account for any single cent that you have or spend. This too shall pass. It’s a trend, but not an excuse. I just have to prove to them that I don’t make a lot of money through my hustles like they allege, nothing personal,” said Ba2cada.
Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of the ANC ZFM Regional Chairperson and Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Abraham Vosloo’s wife.
Maria Minneth Vosloo died due to COVID-19 related complications.
The African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Deshi Ngxanga said that they have learned with great sadness of the untimely passing Vosloo.
He said the ANC wishes the family and friends strength to overcome the heartache and sufferings confronting them right now.
“The pain that you are going through is what most of who have known and came across Mrs Vosloo is going through. As we will be sending messages of condolences through visiting the family, we call all to exercise extreme caution and observe alert level 3 COVID-19 19 regulations,” said Ngxanga.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader in the Northern Cape, Harold McGluwa said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the wife Abraham Vosloo. The news of her death came as a great shock and I can only imagine the devastating impact this must have on him.
“On behalf of the DA in the province, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and his party.”
(Picture Source): The late Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu/www.polity.org.za
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
President Cyril Ramaphosa has accorded the late Minister, Jackson Mthembu an official funeral under category one. Mthembu who served as the Minister in the Presidency, died on Thursday due to COVID-19 related complications.
A 62-year-old politician will be buried on Sunday at his home in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga. Ramaphosa said the National Flag will be flown at half-mast at every flag station in the country from today until the evening of the day of the funeral on 24 January 2021.
“Mthembu contributed immensely to the liberation struggle as an anti-apartheid activist, student leader and unionist, for which he was subjected to harassment and detention by the apartheid security forces.
“He occupied several strategic and leadership roles in democratic South Africa. Mthembu served the African National Congress (ANC) as its spokesperson from 1995 to 1997 and from 2009 to 2014,” he said.
Ramphosa further said Mthembu contributed to the development of South Africa’s democratic constitution and also served as MEC in Mpumalanga. He said Mthembu has been a member of the ANC National Executive Committee since 2007 and served as the ANC’s Chief Whip in the National Assembly from 2016 to 2019.
“He was appointed as Minister in The Presidency after the 2019 general elections. Mthembu will be laid to rest in his home town of Emalahleni in Mpumalanga on Sunday the proceedings will commence at 09h00.
“A memorial service will be held at 13h00 on Saturday at the GCIS Auditorium in Hatfield, Tshwane. The memorial service and official funeral will take place in compliance with the applicable Disaster Management Act regulations,” said Ramaphosa in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) president, Julius Malema also sent his deepest and sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mthembu. Malema said Mthembu was amongst the very few dedicated, humble, and principled leaders of government.
“Despite his access to power and influence, Mthembu was never caught in scandals of influencing tenders and government contracts to benefit his friends and family. With decisiveness, he always provided logical and sound leadership, which often transcended narrow partisan loyalties define parliamentary politics.
“The dedication of Mthembu was demonstrated through his principled participation in the struggle against the nonsensical apartheid regime, as a students’ leader, a youth activist, as workers’ leader, community leader, and certainly without entitlement for individual benefits,” said Malema.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said: “On behalf of the DA, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and his party. You have lost a generous man with a big heart and an even bigger sense of humour. To say that Jackson was much loved would be some understatement.
“During the time that we served opposite each other in the National Assembly as chief whips of our respective parties, I came to know him well and I saw a side to him that explains why he was such a revered figure in the ANC.”
Steenhuisen said he knew Mthembu as a man of integrity, and someone who managed to see the bigger picture and the greater cause. He added that Mthembu was always prepared to do what it took to find solutions to whatever impasse they might have been facing in the House.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Education, Wendy Matsemela said her department has registered satisfactory progress as it concluded marking of National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations papers on Thursday.
Matsemela said the province had 2626 markers in 17 of its marking centres under intense Covid-19 protocols. The department reported that 13 markers tested positive for Covid-19 virus since the marking process commenced.
“All the markers who tested positive are from various marking centres across the province and are now released to go back home for self-quarantining. The hostel and marking rooms which were used by these markers have been decontaminated,” she said.
Matsemela added that the department has completed capturing of the School-Based Assessments (SBA) with 100% capturing done. She also thanked the markers for forging on amid concerning times.
“Today we wrapped up the marking of NSC scripts. I take this time to express my sincere gratitude to the heroes and heroines we have in the education sector who selflessly gave their time to mark our candidates’ scripts in the midst of concerning Covid -19 times.
“Thank you for your servitude and time. It is sad that some of our markers contracted the virus in the thick of the work they have been doing. However, I am more pleased that there have not been devastating death cases in our province,” said Matsemela.
She further said capturing of marks in the province commenced on 8 January 2021 and will be concluded on 25 January 2021.
Picture: Sunday Independent newspaper’s deputy editor, Piet Rampedi appointed as the new editor of Pretoria News
The Pretoria News is to get a new editor from February 1.
Valerie Boje has stepped down from the position she has held for the past eight years and will be replaced by Piet Rampedi.
Rampedi, currently the assistant editor at the Sunday Independent,i is an award-winning investigative journalist with experience in print and broadcasting.
He is a recipient of several awards, including CNN African Journalist of the Year, Vodacom
Journalist of the Year (twice), Media24 Legends and City Press Journalist of the Year Awards.
Executive chairman of Independent Media and chairman of the Sekunjalo Group, Dr Iqbal Survé, congratulated Rampedi saying the appointment marked an exciting new chapter in Piet’s career within the group, as well as for the Pretoria News and its readers.
“Piet is a courageous journalist who boldly and truthfully reports the news that needs to be told. We have watched his development through the Group and have been enthused by his progress and his adherence to journalism’s highest tenets. We look forward to his editorial leadership at Pretoria News,” said Dr Survé.
Rampedi said he looked forward to continuing the Pretoria News’ tradition of ground-breaking journalism.
“Pretoria News is the pulse of the capital city and, by extension, the nation. It’s an institution with a renowned history of ground-breaking and credible journalism. It’s the main source of information for the residents of our capital, the country’s decision-makers, as well as the diplomatic corps,” said Rampedi.
Outgoing Pretoria News editor Val Boje.
Survé commended Bojé, one of the long-standing seniors at Independent Media, for her diligence and passion for the Pretoria News.
“Val and her news team have built a strong focus on the affairs of the capital city, including its governance, academic, research and diplomatic sectors. She has also led from the front in a sea change of technological advancements, including new systems and the switch to digital news consumption, and has embraced transformation within the media group and broader society.
“It is in this spirit, she has recognised that the time is right for new leadership at the Pretoria News,” concluded Survé.
“The Pretoria News has been my life for so many years, and I have been privileged to serve it and the people of this city I call home,” she said.
“I thank Dr Survé for the trust placed in me, COO, Takudzwa Hove, and all the group executives and editors for their support, and look forward to continuing to serve the group in a new way.
“To all those who have worked alongside me at the Pretoria News now and in the past, you have helped shape and sustain it, even in the toughest times and I salute you,” she said, wishing Piet and the team all the best for the time ahead.
(Picture Supplied): Minister in Presidency, Jackson Mthembu dies
By OBAKENG MAJE
Heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the untimely death of the Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu who died on Thursday due to COVID-19 related complications.
North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro also sent his earnest condolences to the family of the deceased. Mokgoro described Mthembu as one of the dedicated and hardworking Ministers he has come to know.
“We have received the news of the passing of Mthembu with great shock. As we try to digest this painful reality, we will remember him as a dedicated member of the ruling party whose work ethic has never been doubted in all the positions he occupied.
“He died with his boots on, in the forefront of the fight against the invisible enemy. It is not a surprise that he was deployed in the Presidency. We are very much saddened by his passing,” he said.
Mokgoro further said they will dearly miss the enormous contribution Mthembu has made in different aspects of the lives of South Africans. He said on behalf of the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) and its citizens, send their deepest regards to the Mthembu family and friends.
“We once more plead with the citizens of the province to continue to adhere to all lockdown regulations to curb the spread of the virus and safe lives,” said Mokgoro.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) shared the same sentiments. NWPL ANC Chief Whip, Paul Sebegoe expressed shock following the death Mthembu.
He also described Mthembu as a revolutionary giant and a true patriot.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Mthembu family, relatives, cabinet colleagues, friends including comrades as well as the ANC and the people of South Africa that Mthembu served with integrity and dedication.
“His death is an epic loss because in him Africa and the country had lost a champion of the marginalized and downtrodden, a gallant freedom fighter who had dedicated his life to the liberation of our people and the betterment of their lives,” highlighted Sebegoe on behalf of the caucus.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) also sent its regards to Mthembu’s family. Sanef chairperson, Sbu Ngalwa said: “Out of many roles he played within the ANC, the media will always remember him as the friend and defender of media freedom and freedom of expression. Mthembu served as a spokesperson in the Mpumalanga Province for both the ANC and for the provincial executive. He moved on to be the national spokesperson of the governing party.
“Throughout his tenure, he showed tremendous respect for and gave journalists from mainstream media to community media equal opportunities and access to leaders.
He did not discriminate between senior and young journalists and ensured that they got the chance to ask questions.”
Ngalwa added that Mthembu always strove to build bridges and forged the professional spirit between media and politics. He said Mthembu was working with SANEF in the past few weeks towards fulfilling President Cyril Ramaphosa’s undertaking to initiate dialogue to find solutions for sustainable funding models for the media sector in the country.
“He was also organizing the first, in over 10 years, lekgotla between the executive and SANEF. It was also going to be the first under the Ramaphosa administration. SANEF regards his death also as a great loss of a voice of reason and an ally of the freedom of expression inside the governing party.
“Mthembu stood up and defended media freedom. He had frank and honest qualities in dealing with the media that are rare among politicians. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great loss. He will leave a great void in the presidency,” he said.
The Guardian 