Staff Reporter
Thuso Ramaema, a former top official in the Free State government, has succumbed to COVID-19.
He passed away today at a Bloemfontein hospital where he was battling the respiratory disease since his admission on June 8.
At the time of his retirement from public service in February this year, Ramaema was the deputy director in the Office of the Premier, responsible for policy, planning and governance.
“Ramaema was an astute, meticulous public servant, and was selfless in the execution of his duties,” Premier Sisi Ntombela said in a statement released by her office.
“We are poorer without his frankness, boldness and overall professionalism,” she added.
“On behalf of our government and the people of the province, I wish to convey heartfelt, sincere condolences to his family, extended family, friends, colleagues and those who are directly and indirectly affected by his passing.”
During his illustrious public service career, Ramaema, a certified fraud examiner, also served in other strategic positions including as chief executive officer at the Free State Development Corporation and head of department (HOD) at the then Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
He also served as acting HOD at the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Social Development.