An anti-tobacco organisation said former health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang contributed to reducing cancer, heart attacks and lung disease caused by smoking.

Tshabalala-Msimang was cremated on Tuesday, following an official funeral which was held in Pretoria.

She died last week from complications related to her 2007 liver transplant.

The National Council Against Smoking said the countries current tobacco laws are largely the legacy of the former minister.

“Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has to be remembered for the good work she has done for tobacco control. In the future tens of thousands of lives will be saves. We have a much healthier environment and lifestyle because of the work she did,” said the organisation’s Peter Ucko.