Molewa fell ill while accompanying Ramaphosa to China earlier this month. She died at a Pretoria Hospital, aged 61.

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The ruling African National Congress endorsed President Cyril Ramaphosa remarks that Edna Molewa’s death was a devastating loss. She was Water and Environmental Affairs Minister for eight years.

Opposition parties paid tribute to Molewa’s work protecting the environment and particularly in fighting the poaching of rhino and elephant.

The World Wildlife Fund paid tribute to her significant contribution to safeguarding the environment and noted that on her watch there had been a decline in rhino deaths these past three years.

Five years ago the WWF gave Molewa its highest honour, the Gift To The Earth Award.

Figures released in Friday showed 508 rhinos had been poached nationally between the beginning of the year and end of August, compared with 691 deaths  last year.

Elephants, however, are falling prey to poachers in greater numbers. 58 of the giant beast have been killed for their tusks in the Kruger National Park – South Africa largest game reserve – this year.

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It’s been given the go-ahead by Environment Minister Edna Molewa only three years after she declared a protected environment.

The World Wildlife Fund says its taking legal action to save the Mabola Protected Environment.

The WWF and other stakeholders spent several years with the provincial authorities ensuring the 8 772 hectare area, which lies 55 kms northeast of Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga, would be kept pristine.

The international organisation with six million supporters in its 100-country network has recorded its deep concern at Environment Minister Edna Molewa signing off on an application by Indian company Atha Africa Pty Ltd to mine coal on the Mabola protected area.

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