Condolences pour in for ANC stalwart

CONDOLENCES are pouring for African National Congress (ANC) stalwart Arch Bishop Bonginkosi Elphas Madlopha of eSikhaleni, who passed away last week Wednesday while on his way to attend the State of the Nation address in Parliament.

Madlopha, travelling with his wife and Member of the Parliament Celiwe Madlopha, experienced breathing problems on the flight to Cape Town.

Celiwe Madlopha told the Zululand Observer that her husband started complaining about chest pains at the airport and had to be assisted onto the aircraft.

‘He was taken to the back of the aircraft where they gave him oxygen to help him breath. After that he seemed fine and we went back to our seats,’ said Celiwe.

Later during the flight his conditioned worsened and paramedics were placed on standby to pick them up once they arrived at Cape Town Airport.

‘I was praying all the way to the hospital and he joined me. I prayed until he stopped, but then continued alone because I realized my husband was dying’ said Celiwe.

She said she does not remember what happened after they got to the hospital, because she collapsed.

‘I woke up with breathing machines around me and I was told that my husband has passed away.’

South African National Civic Organisation secretary in uThungulu, Thembinkosi Mthembu, expressed his deepest condolences to the Madlopha family.

‘He was Deputy Chairperson of SANCO in the uThungulu region and was recently elected as a member of the National Executive Committee, so we are very sad about his passing. He had a big role to play in the community,’ said Thembinkosi.

Madlopha was an ANC secretary in the eSikhaleni branch and also served as President of ILIMA (Ikusasa Lesizwe Independent Ministers Association).

He leaves his wife, four children and three grandchildren

On Tuesday members of the KZN Legislature, led by KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu, visited Madlopha’s house in eSikhaleni to comfort the grieving family.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Thursday) at 4.30pm at the Hlanganani Hall.

Madlopha will be buried on Saturday. The church service will also be held at Hlanganani Hall at 9am.