President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of former minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.

The 59-year-old who was the chairperson of parliament’s portfolio committee on police passed away at her home in Cape Town on Monday evening.

President Ramaphosa says they have lost a remarkable leader who dedicated herself to improving the quality of life in her home province of the Northern Cape in the early years of the country’s democracy before assuming national responsibilities. He says Joemat-Pettersson will be missed for her passion and vigour.

Joemat-Pettersson often courted controversy. She was recently was accused of bribery by the husband of suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.