Deceased Deputy Health Minister Remembered

April 12 - Dr. Molefe Sefularo, South Africa's deputy health minister who died in a car crash over the Easter Weekend, was hailed as a passionate supporter of the country and someone who understood the many challenges facing South Africa's health care system.

Fifty two year old Sefularo, died in Pretoria West on the N4 Freeway.

The South African Medical Association said that he was the driving force behind the National Health Insurance scheme that is currently under debate by the government.

His death was also seen as a "significant loss" to the health care system of South Africa, said the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa, the Hospital Association of South Africa and the National Union of Mineworkers.

"He provided valuable guidance to the private healthcare industry on its role within the impending National Health System," said the Chairman of the Board of Healthcare Funders, Clearance Mini. "His intelligence and expertise will be greatly missed."

Former Deputy Health Minister Renier Schoeman said that he had been honoured to witness what a "competent, committed and accessible leader and minister" the late Dr. Sefularo was.

"His death leaves a huge gap in the public health sector," said Schoeman.

Even opposition groups paid their final respects to Sefularo, with Inkatha Freedom Party leader, Buthelezi saying of him: "He was an accomplished scholar and a dedicated servant of our nation at all level."

The University of Wiwatersrand, which enjoyed a close working relationship with Dr. Selafura issued a statement saying: "His valuable insight, knowledge and expertise will be missed in he various departments that benefitted from his association with the university."