Mbalula shocked, saddened by Gugu Zulu's death

Cape Town - Minister of Sport and Recreation South Africa, Fikile Mbalula, has expressed his shock and sadness at the passing of Gugu Zulu.

GALLERY: Gugu Zulu, a life in pictures

Zulu lost his life in the early hours of Monday morning while summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. 

“It is with a heavy heart to hear of the passing of Gugu Zulu. I know him as a friend who was warm and kind. South Africans know him as a great talented motorsport athlete who excelled on the race course. His family knows him as a loving husband and father. 

"Gugu was part of the Trek4Mandela team that attempts to summit Kilimanjaro in support of young girls from disadvantaged communities. He passed away while on a mission to help others and that made him a selfless South African many should emulate. Gugu was young and still had a lot to offer our country. South Africa is poorer without him," Mbalula said.

On behalf of the South African government, Mbalula extended his condolences to the family and friends of Zulu and to all sport loving South Africans.