The first citizen of Ugu District Municipality, mayor Phumlile Mthiyane, has died.
It was gloomy Monday for a number of South Coasters after the news of the Ugu mayor’s death made the rounds on social media.
At this point, it is unclear how the former mayor died.
Mthiyane became the mayor of Ugu after the 2021 local government elections.
She was previously the deputy mayor of Ugu District Municipality.
Ugu District Municipality said in a statement on Monday: “It is with deep shock and sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of the mayor of the municipality, Phumlile Mthiyane, who was called to her eternal rest during the early hours of the morning today. The dark cloud seems to have fallen upon our municipality during this period and request your thoughts and prayers to be with the family at this time of the loss. Details regarding the burial arrangements will be issued once they become available. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
The KZN Women’s League Provincial Task Team Coordinator, Fikile Masiko along with the ANCWL PTT visited Mthiyane’s family in Izingolweni on Tuesday.
Masiko said losing Mthiyane came as a shock.
“We have one of the comrades who has been doing incredible work not only in the Women’s League but in her portfolio as mayor of Ugu District. Her passion for service delivery has been one of the qualities she was known for. She will be remembered for her dedication to the liberation movement as she has served in various structures showing leadership qualities which have played a part in putting women of KwaZulu-Natal on the map. She was one of the committed comrades in the Tolomane Mnyayiza Region, who served in various structures including the women’s league. She also served as the former deputy secretary and served as the convenor of the ANC RTT,” said Masiko.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Department Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Sihle Zikalala, said they lost a gentle giant in the sphere of local government.
“She took on the task of stabilising the supply of water for communities within the district, and within a very short period of time following her appointment as mayor, we saw progress on key projects meant to improve water supply. We mourn the loss of a bridge-builder, peacemaker, and passionate activist who put the interests of the people of Ugu first. We convey our condolences,” said Zikalala.
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