11 Mar 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has strongly condemned the media for reporting tragic news before families are notified.

He was speaking Wednesday at the residence of Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Ms Anna Mokgethi whose daughter Sarona Motlhagodi, popularly known as Sasa Klaas, died in a helicopter crash on Saturday.

The President’s condemnation comes in the wake of reports that some journalists asked Ms Mokgethi to make a statement on her daughter’s passing.

Dr Masisi described the behaviour as grotesque and disgraceful insensitivity that no family should have to experience.

He cautioned the media fraternity to desist from the heartless trait.

Turning to Sasa Klaas’ demise, he said it was disheartening to lose a life of a young person at her vibrancy.

President Masisi, who was accompanied by First Lady Ms Neo Masisi and other senior government officials, said Sasa Klaas was an exportable commodity in the product of music, character and fashion, which was appreciated by government and the nation.

The feisty 27-year-old left behind a legacy of beauty, elegance, music, fun and an identity of her own, he said.

He therefore implored her family to console themselves with the memory of what Sasa Klaas stood for and to find solace in the Lord.

Dr Masisi commended the family for raising a strong-willed young woman in Sasa Klaas.

In his welcome remarks, the deceased’s uncle Mr Frans van der Westhuizen expressed gratitude to the first family for their support.

Mr van der Westhuizen said his family was humbled by the support from the nation as well as government, saying it would give them strength to deal with the tragedy.

He said despite questions surrounding the circumstances of Sasa Klaas’ demise, the family would focus on mourning and celebrating her life.ENDS