SEDIBENG.- Yet another former local Mayor has died due to Covid-19 related complications.
Former Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Executive Mayor and Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) Chief Whip, Sithole Assistance Mshudulu (pictured) has died. Mshudulu’s death follows that of Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) Executive Mayor, Busisiwe Modisakeng who died in January earlier this year due to Covid-19 complications.
A statement released by the family Spokesperson, Matshidiso Matsome said that the stalwart was admitted in hospital on Sunday, 16 May, after testing positive for Covid-19.
“He subsequently succumbed to complications related to the virus this evening, 30 May 2021. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Sedibeng District Municipality colleagues and community for their prayers and support during this time. Ntate actively loved the community and served it with so much commitment and vigour until has final days.
“We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and healthcare workers who treated Ntate and are in the front line in the fight against Covid-19.”
The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) sent its condolences to the family and friends Mshudulu.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, PAC Secretary General, Apa Pooe said,
“What a loss of institutional memory, He was more of a father figure than a typical politician.”
Current Emfuleni Local Municipality Executive Mayor, the Reverend Gift Moerane said, “Cllr Mshudulu was a man among many. He was a giant in the arenas of community service, the struggle of our people and youth development.
“I am personally saddened by this unexpected tragedy, indeed Covid-19 is a thief. In a space of four months, it took two senior leaders in one Municipality.”
Moerane said that the ‘Commander’, as Msudulu was affectionately called, was unlike other public and elected officials was not afraid to campaign for the rights of all his people. “From the days of his activism as a unionist, his work in Parliament and Emfuleni as the Executive Mayor. Indeed, we stand on the soldiers of giants. Emfuleni Local Municipality stability was as a result of the great work of the people like the late Cllr Mshudulu. In all our work, in his name, we shall do all we can to see Emfuleni become what he envisaged.”
Moerane said that on behalf of ELM he wishes to convey his deepest sympathy to his family, the community of Evaton and African National Congress, “an organization Mshudulu so loved and served all his life.”
At the time of going to print the family had said that that they will make further announcements regarding Mshudulu’s funeral in due course.