CAPE TOWN – Sharna Fernandez, former Western Cape Minister of Social Development, has died.
Tertius Simmers, provincial leader of the DA, confirmed Fernandez’s death in a statement released on Saturday morning (15 November). “The DA in the Western Cape mourns the passing of Sharna Fernandez. She passed away peacefully in her sleep last night (Friday 14 November),” he said.
Before her provincial ministerial role assumed in 2019, Fernandez was the the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament in 2014. “Sharna started doing community work in 2011, collaborating with several community activists,” Simmers related.
“During this period, Sharna was invited to a political meeting and that made her realise she could further help citizens from political office.”
Lasting legacy
During her provincial ministerial tenure, she fought against SASSA’s failures to pay social grants on time or over delays in relief for distressed elderly beneficiaries, Simmers added. “In 2024, Sharna retired from the political arena and ventured into real estate. However, her humanitarian work continued.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her mother, her son, and the rest of her family during this incredibly difficult time. May they find comfort and strength in the days ahead.”
Following the announcement of her death, tributes have poured in for Fernandez.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde wrote on Facebook: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Western Cape Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez. Sharna served our province with heart, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable people in our society. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who loved and worked with her. May her memory be a blessing, and may we honour her legacy through caring for others.”
Popular Cape entertainer Allister Izobell posted to Facebook: “Rest in peace my dearest Sharna Gail Fernandez. I am sad but my heart smiles today with a flood of wonderful memories. You were a gem. It was good that this journey had you in it! Thank you for trusting me to do your final life celebration. Rest your soul now sister!”
Lucinda Evans, a gender-based violence (GBV) activist and founder of the Philisa Abafazi Bethu GBV organisation in Steenberg, also took to social media to share her condolences. “This morning I wish to pay my respect and condolences to the family of the late Sharna Gail Fernandez. Rest in love, dear leader. May your soul rest in peace,” she wrote.
* This article was edited to reflect the social media post of Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.
