By Celani Sikhakhane
- Zenzele Dube, grandson of first ANC president John Langalibalele Dube, dies in Durban.
- The family kept doors open to welcome visitors at the historic Ohlange site despite his illness.
The grandson of the ANC’s first president has died in a Durban hospital at the age of 72.
He was the grandson of the first ANC president, John Langalibalele Dube, who also founded the Ohlange Institute in Inanda where the late ANC president Nelson Mandela cast his first vote in the historic April 1994 elections.
Zenzele Mfundo Dube passed away early on Saturday morning, leaving behind three sons and two brothers.
KwaZulu-Natal ANC secretary Bheki Mtolo said they had hoped Dube would recover to join celebrations marking 30 years of democracy.
“He is joining his aunt, Mama Lulu Dube, who died on 27 May 2016. Mama Lulu Dube was the only surviving daughter of President John Langalibalele who lived long enough to witness the transition from the brutal apartheid regime to a democratic government,” said Mtolo.
Despite being ill, Dube still welcomed visitors to Ohlange, the historic site linked to his grandfather’s legacy.
“We are particularly indebted to Comrade Zenzele Dube as he was always available to welcome us at Ohlange. Together with other family members, he opened his arms, welcoming heads of state, diplomatic corps, businessmen and women, including ordinary members of society,” said Mtolo.
Even while sick, Dube joined hundreds celebrating his grandfather’s birthday on 11 February.
His grandfather led protests against the 1913 Land Act and helped found the ANC in 1912.
The elder Dube served on the Natives’ Representative Council until he died in 1946 when Chief Albert Luthuli took his place.
Zenzele leaves behind his sons Cira, Sya and Zweli, and his brothers Langalibalele and Dalisu.
Pictured above: The ANC in KZN is mourning the passing of John Langalibalele Dube’s grandson, Zenzele Dube.
Source: Supplied
