Ohm Collins Chabane, a prominent South African politician and former Minister of Public Service and Administration, passed away on March 15, 2015, in a tragic car accident. He was 54 years old.

Born on April 15, 1960, in Xikundu Village, Limpopo province, Chabane joined the African National Congress (ANC) underground military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), at the age of 17. He went to Angola for military training in 1980 and began working underground the following year.

In 1984, Chabane was arrested by the Security Police and sentenced to six years in prison on charges of terrorism. He was imprisoned alongside other prominent political figures, including Tokyo Sexwale, Kgalema Motlanthe, Mosiuoa Lekota, and Popo Molefe. Despite being incarcerated, Chabane continued his studies and obtained a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Technikon South Africa. He also studied aviation and held a Diploma in Management from Arusha in Tanzania.

After his release from prison, Chabane became actively involved in politics and served in various positions within the ANC, including as the deputy secretary-general of the ANC Youth League and as the chairperson of the ANC's Limpopo Province. In 2009, he was appointed as the Minister of Arts and Culture, and in 2014, he was appointed as the Minister of Public Service and Administration.

Chabane was known for his unwavering dedication to the struggle for democracy and equality in South Africa, and his commitment to public service. He was a respected leader, a skilled administrator, and a passionate advocate for social justice.

Chabane's sudden and tragic death was a great loss to South Africa, and he will be remembered for his contributions to the country's liberation struggle and his tireless work to improve the lives of all South Africans. He is survived by his wife, Mavis, and his two children