By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image Supplied.
Veteran politician, social activist and former KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance Ina Cronjé has died on Tuesday morning five days before her 80th birthday.
Cronjé died in Hilton after a short illness.
She was surrounded by family and “her beloved cats and dogs who had been guarding her bed”, her family said in a statement.
Cronje leaves behind her husband Pierre, daughter Larissa, son Reuben and grandson Mikka.
Her husband said that “for 59 years, we had a full and exciting life, sharing our love for cars, travel and a commitment to the struggle to make South Africa a better place for all”.
Her family described her as a “woman of substance, who lived and died on her own terms”.
Cronjé worked as a teacher, lawyer, and politician.
KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube passed on a poignant message to Pierre, saying “I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my leader and mentor Ina. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”
Esther Naidoo, her former personal assistant commented that her journey with Cronjé made a difference not only in her life but also the lives of the KZN community.
“It is incredibly satisfying to hear people still talking about her tremendous hard work and notable achievements as MEC for Education and Finance. She was out there for the people and went the extra mile to make a difference.”
A private memorial service will be held for Cronjé’s family and close friends. A public memorial service is under consideration and details will be announced later.
After 1994 she became the deputy chief whip of the ANC in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature before she was promoted to the position of chief whip.
Cronjé was later appointed MEC for Education in the province before she moved to the provincial treasury where she was MEC for Finance.
She led the provincial treasury out of the red into a healthy and stable financial situation, said the family. The province had a deficit of R2 billion and moved into a healthy financial position.