uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor Christo Botha dies

City of uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor Christo Botha has died this (Tuesday) afternoon.

The deputy mayor, who had been in a critical condition in hospital since last week, passed away, reportedly surrounded by family and loved ones.

City residents have, since his hospitalisation, rallied behind the deputy mayor in prayer.

At the time of his passing, Botha had served as deputy mayor, DA’s mayoral candidate, and Ward 2 councillor.

From the office of Deputy Mayor Christo Botha:

“Not only has uMhlathuze lost its Deputy Mayor, but many residents have lost a man who truly cared — a man who answered calls late at night, who fought for communities when others stayed silent, and who carried the struggles of residents on his shoulders every single day.
He was present. He showed up. He fought. He listened. He cared deeply about this city and the people within it.
For the past week, he fought for his life with incredible strength and determination. Those closest to him witnessed a battle that reflected exactly who he was as a leader — someone who never stopped fighting, no matter how difficult the road became.
From Ward Councillor to Deputy Mayor, and into his campaign for mayor, his vision was always centered around service, accountability, and building a better future for uMhlathuze.
The silence left behind by his passing will be felt across this city for a very long time.
To every resident who supported him, challenged him, stood beside him, or believed in his vision — thank you.
And to whoever continues the work he started: may you carry forward the same heart, courage, and dedication to the people that Christo carried until his very last day.”

Tributes pour in

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the mayoral candidate.

“The DA has lost not only a Deputy Mayor but an outstanding leader and servant of the people who was going to contest as our mayoral candidate in the upcoming local government elections.

“He will forever be remembered for his commitment to serving the people of uMhlathuze and the DA,” the party said in a statement.

The uMhlathuze Municipality has described his passing as a devastating loss for the city.

“Cllr Botha has been a dedicated partner in the uMhlathuze coalition government since assuming office in 2023.

“He served the municipality and its residents with commitment, integrity and dedication,” the municipality’s statement reads.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer