The late Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane will be afforded a special funeral service, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe announced at a special media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday.

Minister Chabane died in a car accident in the early hours of Sunday morning with two of his protectors, Sgt Lesiba Sekele and Sgt Lawrence Lentsoane.

The Minister’s vehicle was traveling on the N1 in a northerly direction towards the south, outside of Polokwane, when a truck which was driving in the same direction in the left lane in front of them decided to make a U – turn.

“It was at that point that the Minister’s vehicle drove into the truck,” said Minister Radebe.

He said the driver of the truck had been arrested for negligent driving, although he could not confirm allegations that he had been under the influence of alcohol or had other previous charges of negligent driving.

“During this difficult time, on behalf of President [Jacob] Zuma, government and its people, we want to extend our sincere condolences to the Chabane, Lentsoane and Sekele families, friends and all South Africans who knew him,” he said.

Minister Radebe said Minister Chabane was a humble, disciplined, passionate and dedicated member of the Executive.

“He was truly devoted to his work of improving the lives of the people of South Africa and was an intellectual giant with a great understanding of what we had to do to free our people from poverty.”

He said as a dedicated serving Minister, Minister Chabane will be accorded a special official funeral.  Details of which will be communicated soon.

Minister Chabane is survived by his wife, Mavis Chabane, and two children.