Johannesburg - The police ministry sent its condolences to the families of the two bodyguards who died alongside Public Service Minister Collins Chabane in an accident on Sunday.
"We send condolences to the families, colleagues in protection and security services as well as the entire SAPS family," Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko said in a statement.
"In keeping with tradition, we will provide all the care and support to the families of the deceased officers."
He said Sergeant Lesiba Sekele and Sergeant Lawrence Lentsoane were dedicated SA Police Service members.
Chabane, Sekele and Lentsoane were killed instantly when a truck allegedly did a U-turn in front of their car on the N1 near Polokwane in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Dedicated
Political parties, government and civic organisations expressed shock at Chabane's death, a minister which many described as dedicated and committed.
Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said he was lost for words and shocked by the news that Chabane had died.
"We have not only lost a minister, but a committed soldier, servant, leader, brother, father, a man accessible to all. A humble man who understood the plight of our people," Ramatlhodi said in a statement.
"To many he is an artist, writer, negotiator, to me a brother who was everything to me and the struggle, I salute you, fellow fighter."
Ramatlhodi said he had recruited Chabane into the African National Congress in 1979.
Chabane's level of loyalty and discipline never disappointed, he said.
"Let us honour comrade Ohm Chabane by remembering all he was and stood for."
Cosatu
The Congress of SA Trade Unions expressed shock and sadness at the death of Chabane and his two bodyguards.
"Comrade Collins was a committed servant of the people who from an early age devoted his life to the struggle for liberation and a more equal and just society, in exile, in the ANC and in government," spokesperson Patrick Craven said in a statement.
"Cosatu leaders and members at many levels interacted with him over decades and always found him to be friendly, helpful constructive and positive, particularly in the area of making policy and monitoring its implementation."
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology and National Freedom Party leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi expressed shock at Chabane's death.
Humble leader
"I was deeply shocked when I heard of the untimely passing of Minister Chabane, who was one of the most humble leaders this country has produced," she said in a statement.
"Minister Chabane represented a rare breed of leaders whose aspiration was to serve the people of this country with all he had."
KaMagwaza-Msibi said since she joined the Cabinet last year she had an opportunity to work closely with Chabane and learnt what a modest and down to earth person he was.
Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele sent his condolences to Chabane's family and friends.
"The Chabane family, the ANC family, government and the country has lost a true servant leader," he said in a statement.
Tragic
The Inkatha Freedom Party described Chabane's death as tragic.
"Minister Chabane was an asset to South Africa's Cabinet and his contribution to the governance of our country will be missed," IFP leader and MP Mangosuthu Buthelezi said in a statement.
"I shall miss his participation in the debates of the National Assembly. We were on different sides of the House, but we respected one another and worked well together."
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) said it was mourning Chabane's death and sent its condolences to his family and friends as well as those of his two bodyguards.
"Likewise with the countless road deaths we are saddened and shocked to learn about the passing of the minister," RAF board chair Ntuthuko Bhengu said in a statement.
The SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) said Chabane's death was tragic.
"Minister Collins Chabane was always warm and engaging in his interaction with SA Jewry, which in turn was reflective of his commitment to ensuring the peaceful co-existence of all South Africans," the SAJBD said in a statement.
"The SAJBD extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Collins Chabane, to the South African government and to every South African citizen who benefited from his humane and far-sighted leadership."
SAPA