DA, IFP offer condolences, pay tribute on death of KZN legislature deputy speaker Mluleki Ndobe

The Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party have paid tribute to and expressed condolences at the death of KwaZulu-Natal legislature deputy speaker Mluleki Ndobe.

DURBAN, November 7 (ANA) – The Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party have paid tribute to and expressed condolences at the death of KwaZulu-Natal legislature deputy speaker Mluleki Ndobe, 46.

“On behalf of the IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, we have received the news of the passing of KZN legislature deputy speaker hon Mluleki Ndobe with shock and sadness,” IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said in a statement on Saturday.

“We extend our condolences during this time of bereavement to the Ndobe family and the African National Congress.”

Ndobe was one of the “few people with the highest level of maturity and sobriety”. Even when chairing the meetings of the legislature he always demonstrated fairness, open mindedness, and respect of other people’s views.

“It is unfortunate that his sudden and untimely death has robbed him of the opportunity to contribute further in shaping the lives of our people. We fully understand that the ANC, as his political party, has lost an asset and a great person. This is also a great loss to all of us as the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

“He will indeed leave a huge void in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature where he was delegated as a deputy speaker. May his family and the ANC find comfort in that he played a meaningful role in shaping our country. May his soul rest in peace,” Hlabisa said.

In a separate statement, DA leader in the legislature Zwakele Mncwango said the party in KwaZulu-Natal had learned with shock and sadness of the untimely death of Ndobe.

“We extend our sincere condolences to honourable Ndobe’s family and to the ANC and all members of KZN legislature. The DA will remember deputy speaker Ndobe as an honourable man. We will also remember him as a humble and respectful colleague in the legislature who was always approachable in his role,” Mncwango said.

According to media reports, Ndobe was found dead of a gunshot wound at his Durban home on Friday night after apparently taking his own life. He was reported to have been battling cancer.

– African News Agency (ANA), editing by Jacques Keet