Premier Rasool said: "The Provincial Government was privileged to honour Robbie with a Provincial Honours Award on Reconciliation Day last year in appreciation of his lifelong contributions to the Western Cape and beyond through his musical genius which helped develop the inimitable 'Cape Jazz Style'. Jazz more than most musical genres is able to capture a cross-section of styles, schools and ideas. The 'Cape Jazz Style' is then in many ways an audio-foretaste of our vision of making this Province a Home for All.
"I was very concerned by media reports that Robbie's family was worrying about medical costs when they should be able to focus on him. In discussion with the Health Department we have therefore arranged that his medical costs should be waived and that as soon as he can be moved out of ICU, he should be placed in a private ward."
"I hope that in this small way we can show our respect and gratitude to one of our most loved and treasured cultural icons."
