Johannesburg - The Black Management Forum (BMF) in Gauteng was shocked and saddened by the news of Gauteng Economic Development MEC Nkosiphendule Kolisile's death, the forum said on Sunday.
"We would like to convey our sincerest condolences to the family and the entire provincial government," said BMF Gauteng chairperson Modise Moiloanyane in a statement.
"It was during his term that Blue IQ and [the] Gauteng Economic Development Agency were merged to form Gauteng Growth and Development Agency."
The aim of the merger was to pull all resources towards speeding up economic development potential within the province, he said.
The BMF Gauteng had started collaborating with Kolisile's office as they shared his objectives to transform the economy of the province through helping to support small black owned companies.
This also included ensuring that the department had the necessary human resources to address unemployment challenges faced in Gauteng.
"BMF Gauteng appreciates [the] MEC's commitment to improve the lives of the people of Gauteng and his sterling work to spearhead economic development in the province," said Moiloanyane.
"May his soul rest in peace."