Premier mourns student

Passed on in Turkey . . . Valencia Motaunyana

Valencia Motaunyana who hailed from the town of Kroonstad died after showing flu-like symptoms

Free State Premier Ace Magashule has passed his condolences following the death of Valencia Motaunyana who was a first-year engineering student at the University of Bahcesehir in Turkey on Saturday.

Motaunyana who hailed from the town of Kroonstad died after showing flu-like symptoms.

She was earlier on checked by health experts from the Free State province with their Turkish counterparts, whereupon her condition was deemed to be in need of serious medical care.

However, because of the contagious nature of her ailment, Motaunyana could not be flown back immediately to South Africa as both teams of experts agreed to support her with medication and supplements until she improved.

Premier Magashule whose office funded Motaunyana’s study confirmed her passing away on Monday.

“The team (of health experts) agreed that she would be re-evaluated in two weeks’ time and flown to South Africa for further treatment. Unfortunately she lost the battle and passed on,” said Magashule.

He noted the province had lost out on a potential engineer whose assistance could have helped make the country become better.

The office of the premier was awaiting post mortem results to establish the cause of Motaunyana’s death.

Magashule pointed out his office has sent an official to Turkey to work with the South African Embassy there to have Motaunyana’s remains brought back to the country.

“We anticipate the body of the deceased to be here next week and that the funeral may take place during the weekend of June 17. We will be further advised by her family.”

The premier added: “Indeed, no words can adequately express our sadness and sense of loss on the passing of Miss Motaunyana.”