- Former KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Blessed Gwala praised Dr Mthethwa’s discipline and loyalty during a memorial lecture in Mfolozi over the weekend.
- Mthethwa, who served as acting IFP national chairperson and uThungulu mayor, died in 2018 after a long illness, leaving behind a political and academic legacy.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has called on its members to keep alive the legacy of Dr Bhekisisa BV Mthethwa, who worked to bring peace between the IFP and the African National Congress (ANC).
The call was made during a memorial lecture held in Mfolozi, KwaZulu-Natal, over the weekend. The lecture was delivered by former KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Blessed Gwala, a long-time friend of Mthethwa.
Gwala said Mthethwa was among the IFP leaders who fought for peace, even though he was also part of the founding of the IFP Youth Brigade in 1978.
He added that Mthethwa remained disciplined and loyal to IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, even when others in the party tried to break away.
“Mthethwa was among the IFP leaders who fought for peace. Despite that he was among the people who formed the IFP Youth Brigade in 1978. He was also a disciplined member of the IFP who never turned against the late and founder of the IFP Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi despite the attempts that were made by some within the party when we were in the meeting in uMlazi,” said Gwala.
Gwala told guests that Mthethwa avoided political factions in the IFP, taking sides only during peace talks with the ANC. He said Mthethwa stood firm when their rivals tried to push the IFP into submission.
Mthethwa was also an academic and author. His book Ulibo LwabaThethwa traced the history of his clan and was launched with support from the late minister of sport, arts and culture, Nathi Mthethwa.
Over his career, Mthethwa served as acting IFP national chairperson from 2011 to 2012, and as mayor and speaker of the uThungulu District Municipality, where he also chaired the IFP in the district. He also sat on the IFP National Council, the party’s highest decision-making body between conferences.
Mthethwa died in 2018 after a long illness. He was remembered as a politician, historian and scholar who loved South Africa and believed in the IFP’s principles of self-help and self-reliance.
Pictured above: IFP Deputy National Chairperson Blessed Gwala delivered the memorial lecture for dr bhekisisa bv mthethwa, organised by umfolozi local municipality.
Image source: Umfolozi Local Municipality
