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Johannesburg - Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula has expressed shock at the death of a member of his department Vernie Petersen.
"The Minister of Sport and Recreation Mr Fikile Mbalula is shocked and disturbed by the untimely death of his Department's Director-General, Mr Vivian (Vernie) Patrick Petersen, who was one of the committed soldiers in the public service administration of Sport and Recreation in South Africa," the department said in a statement on Monday.
Petersen died in Pretoria on Sunday morning at the age of 52. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
"We mourn the untimely passing away of a gallant fighter, who has contributed to the programme to better the lives of South Africans in different spheres. The Sport fraternity has lost a leader, a servant and a brother. He served sport with diligence and dedication.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and the whole family," Mbalula said after a visit to Petersen's home.
Petersen was transferred to the department of sport by former Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour.
Petersen, whose anti-graft stance had sparked several battles between himself and Balfour, once lodged a complaint with Parliament's ethics committee about the possibility of a conflict of interest in connection with allegations that Balfour failed to declare a luxury 4x4 car as a gift.
The car was financed by a company linked to the Bosasa group, which has won multi-million-rand tenders from Balfour's department.
Petersen also suspended Balfour's right-hand man, Patrick Gillingham, a correctional services' regional commissioner, over allegations of corruption involving multi-million-rand tenders.
Mbalula said Petersen was onew the people who was instrumental in the administration and successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"His role in government has been immense and he served and represented government in various positions including the National Lotteries Distribution Agency responsible for sport & recreation.
Together with the SA Sport Confederation Committee, he provided much-needed leadership to sport federations, Mbalula said.
A memorial service for Petersen will be held in Pretoria on March 3 at the Anglican Cathedral. The funeral service will take place in Cape Town on March 7.
The department's Chief Operations Officer, Sumayya Khan, who has been acting as Director-General during Petersen's sick leave, will continue until further notice.
"The Minister of Sport and Recreation Mr Fikile Mbalula is shocked and disturbed by the untimely death of his Department's Director-General, Mr Vivian (Vernie) Patrick Petersen, who was one of the committed soldiers in the public service administration of Sport and Recreation in South Africa," the department said in a statement on Monday.
Petersen died in Pretoria on Sunday morning at the age of 52. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
"We mourn the untimely passing away of a gallant fighter, who has contributed to the programme to better the lives of South Africans in different spheres. The Sport fraternity has lost a leader, a servant and a brother. He served sport with diligence and dedication.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and the whole family," Mbalula said after a visit to Petersen's home.
Petersen was transferred to the department of sport by former Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour.
Petersen, whose anti-graft stance had sparked several battles between himself and Balfour, once lodged a complaint with Parliament's ethics committee about the possibility of a conflict of interest in connection with allegations that Balfour failed to declare a luxury 4x4 car as a gift.
The car was financed by a company linked to the Bosasa group, which has won multi-million-rand tenders from Balfour's department.
Petersen also suspended Balfour's right-hand man, Patrick Gillingham, a correctional services' regional commissioner, over allegations of corruption involving multi-million-rand tenders.
Mbalula said Petersen was onew the people who was instrumental in the administration and successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"His role in government has been immense and he served and represented government in various positions including the National Lotteries Distribution Agency responsible for sport & recreation.
Together with the SA Sport Confederation Committee, he provided much-needed leadership to sport federations, Mbalula said.
A memorial service for Petersen will be held in Pretoria on March 3 at the Anglican Cathedral. The funeral service will take place in Cape Town on March 7.
The department's Chief Operations Officer, Sumayya Khan, who has been acting as Director-General during Petersen's sick leave, will continue until further notice.
