Mantsheng Tsopo, more popularly known as Ouma, died in a Welkom hospital. While the date as well as cause of death remain unknown at this stage, Free State African National Congress (ANC) Spokesperson, Thabo Meeko confirmed news of her death.
Meeko says that her untimely death comes as a chock to the organization and she will be remembered for her service and diligence. He also said that the ANC’s condolences message foes to Tsopo’s family as well as the people of the Free State, who Tsopo served wholeheartedly during her time. He believes ANC has lost a soldier in Comrade Ouma as she has served with distinction throughout wherever the ANC deployed her.
Tsopo served as the ANC Women’s League regional secretary in the Northern Free State, as a member of the executive council in Free State provincial government where she held several portfolios since 1994 until her later redeployment to the provincial legislature. She worked as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for social development, health and education.
Meeko said the ANC is waiting for directives from the family for further details surrounding her death, memorial and funeral.
In 2004, the Bloemfontein regional court sentenced Tsopo’s husband, Sandile Tsopo, of four years for fraud. The husband Tsopo, his sister Martha Nombulelo Nqulo and Nitja Daniel Makhathini were earlier found guilty of defrauding the Education Department of more than R360 000.
Ouma Tsopo was health MEC when her husband was implicated.
Pulane Choane/BloemfonteinNews
