Condolences on the Death of Vernie Petersen, DG of Sport and Recreation South Africa

It is with a great sense of sadness that the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), senior management and staff note the sad passing of Vernie Petersen, Director General of the National Department of Sport and Recreation.

An experienced, dedicated, civil servant, Vernie Petersen will be remembered for his professionalism and his determination to ensure that through sport and recreation we can indeed improve the quality of the lives of the citizens of South Africa.

According to Brent Walters, Head of DCAS, Vernie was a seasoned civil servant. He said, "I am saddened and shocked. The DG's leadership will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and colleagues. In our estimation, he will always remain an excellent role model for the public service as he executed his task with a high degree of integrity, accountability and care. Sport and Recreation South Africa is a very important partner to us and the passing of the DG represents a sad loss to all of us. He will be sorely missed. We want to take this opportunity to wish his family, friends and colleagues strength at this difficult time."