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Minister Bathabile Dlamini and the Department of Social Development, mourn the passing of former Deputy Minister of Social Development, Bongi Maria Ntuli fondly known as Ma-Ntuli. Ma-Ntuli died of a heart failure yesterday (October, 22) on arrival at the Pretoria Heart Hospital after her children noted that she was not well.

Mrs Ntuli, one of the women who participated in CODESA was a member of Parliament since 1994 where she served in various committees including the joint committee on the Improvement of quality of life and status of women and the portfolio committee on trade and industry.

In 2009, she was appointed as one of the two Deputy Ministers of Trade and Industry. In 2010, she was deployed to the Department of Social Development where she served until 2014.

Mrs Ntuli was a devoted Christian who could balance and infuse her politics and religious beliefs to serve the poor and the vulnerable of the county. During her tenure at Social Development,  she led one of the most successful campaigns "Taking DSD to communities" because she believed that Government should always bring its services closer to the people.

Mrs Ntuli's story could never be told without mentioning her commitment to education. In her old age, she continued with her education and encouraged everyone around her to continue studying. She held a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems. At 71, she obtained her Advanced Diploma in Economic policy with the University of the Western Cape.

Minister Bathabile Dlamini expressed her sadness at the passing of Ma-Ntuli and sent her condolences to her family especially her children.

"Personally, I have lost a good comrade who was humble and loyal to the ANC. She had the utmost respect for me as her Minister even though she was older than me. A staunch Christian who made sure that every meeting started and ended with prayer. I remember that she had a good heart and when I was the Secretary-General of the ANCWL, she would accompany me to go to the branches for my audit work. All this showed that she was always ready to do the work of the organisation," said Minister Dlamini.

Mrs Ntuli is survived by her daughter and two sons.

Issued by Department of Social Development