KwaDukuza mourns loss of deputy-mayor Thulani Ntuli

The tragic death of KwaDukuza deputy-mayor Thulani ‘Mbazo’ Ntuli last Wednesday has drawn mourners from all corners of the province.

Ntuli, who was also the regional treasurer of the African National Congress (ANC) in the General Gizenga Mpanza Region, collapsed on Chief Albert Luthuli Street in KwaDukuza, later passing away in hospital.

KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca said the 49-year-old was a dedicated and skillful leader with huge experience in politics and local government.

“Our hearts are heavy; no amount of words can express our pain and sorrow during these difficult times. Losing a leader of such great stature is a blow not only to his family, the leadership of the ANC, and the council but to the entire community of KwaDukuza. He was a tried and tested leader with unparalleled experience in negotiating and wisdom that brought about hope in times of despair,” said Nhaca.

He was among the longest-serving members of KwaDukuza council, serving five terms as both a ward and PR councillor since 2000.

He also served as chairperson of the portfolio committee on infrastructure and technical services at the KwaDukuza Council at the time of his death.

Born in Ngwelezane (near Empangeni) to a politically active family, Ntuli was forced to flee to Zambia after both of his parents were killed and his homestead was destroyed.

While in Zambia he joined uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), where he received advanced military combat training and political education under General Gizenga Mpanza.

Ntuli returned back to the region in 1988, later becoming active in building ANC structures when political parties were unbanned in 1990.

“He belonged to the first ANC branch to be formed in the country post-unbanning, the KwaDukuza ANC branch. His financial acumen was always clear and as a result, he was elected regional treasurer at five consecutive conferences. Comrade Mbazo, as he was affectionately known, was a key figure in the people’s struggle for the attainment of a better life for all in the region,” said ANC regional spokesperson, Thandeka Mkhize.

He passed away just a day after the 36-year anniversary of the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO), which was created to mobilize young people for the final push toward the attainment of democracy, she said.

Like many other daring young people, Ntuli joined the masses on the streets to collapse the regime by making the country ungovernable.

“The ANC lost one of its finest sons, who sacrificed everything to liberate our country. We have also lost a valuable agent for change whose indelible contribution towards the deepening of our democracy will remain in our hearts until all our people are economically liberated,” said Mkhize.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, said it was hard to come to terms with his loss given so much was still expected of him.

“His commitment and respect in serving the people of the municipality will always be remembered in the local government sector. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Ntuli family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

A memorial service will be held today at the Thembeni Sports Field at 3pm. His funeral will be held at Esigisi Sportfield, Ngwelezane on Thursday.

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