Lungani Zungu
ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe, speaking about the late Dr Frank Mdlalose, said: “The people of KZN will treasure his memory as a champion of peace.”
The 89-year-old IFP politician and the first KZN premier died on Saturday from a Covid-19-related illness.
Mabe said Mdlalose will be remembered for his tireless efforts in brokering peace between the IFP and the ANC in the 1980s.
In a statement, the Mdlalose’s family said they are proud of the work he did in the community in Newcastle, as well as the work he did for the province, and the country.
“He worked in the community as a medical doctor and as a politician. He was much-loved by all,” said the statement.
Mdlalose served in lower ANC structures before joining the IFP when it was formed by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in 1975.
“As one of the first members of Inkatha, he quickly showed his leadership qualities and his ability to ignite a vision in our people,” said Buthelezi.
Mdlalose was born in Nquthu, northern KZN in 1931, he beat the odds to become a medical doctor.
In 1958, he started working at King Edward hospital in Umbilo, Durban and later went into politics.
In 1998, Mdlalose was appointed as South Africa’s ambassador to Egypt.
The IFP said Mdlalose, its former national chairperson, was a political giant.
Mdlalose took the reins as premier in 1994 after the IFP won the KZN province, despite the ANC winning the national elections.
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said: “He was a leader with eyes fixed firmly on the masses of our people and extending beyond the party line.”
Zikalala visited the family on Monday and asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to honour Mdlalose with a special official funeral.
The details of the funeral are yet to be announced.
