Chabane was a minister in the President's office and a member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee.
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by this untimely death of an outstanding cadre of our liberation struggle and a competent, accomplished and dependable member of my cabinet," Zuma said in a statement.
Chabane, in his capacity as minister, had lead the planning for the funeral of former President Nelson Mandela.