Speaker Daylin Mitchell on the Passing of Former Speaker Sharna Fernandez:
It is with a great sense of sadness and loss that I learnt about the passing last night (14 November 2025) of former Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Sharna Fernandez.
Ms Fernandez was sworn in as a Member of the fifth parliament of the Western Cape in 2014, immediately whereafter she was elected and served as Speaker for the remainder of the term. She was a fierce champion of women’s rights and a campaigner against gender-based violence – both of which were persistent themes during her tenure as Speaker.
Following the 2019 election she was appointed by the Premier of the Western Cape to his cabinet as the Minister of Social Development – a position she could not have been better suited to.
Her dedication to helping, uplifting and supporting those less fortunate members of society was a reflection of the personal challenges she had experienced during her life.
Her love and positive spirit will be missed by all who knew and met her. Her legacy as a former Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament will be remembered fondly by those who served with and after her, by the employees of the Provincial Parliament and all who came into contact with her.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her mother, son, grandson and all her family, friends and all who were fortunate to have known her.
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