Modimolle–Mookgophong mayor Marlene Van Staden loses cancer battle

DA’s Marlene van Staden lost her long battle with breast cancer on Thursday morning.

MODIMOLLE-MOOKGOPHONG MAYOR MARLENE VAN STADEN LOSES CANCER BATTLE

The 43-year-old Van Staden was one of the first DA women leaders to take the mayorship from the ANC in 2016 in the newly amalgamated Modimolle/Mookgopholong Local Municipality in Limpopo.

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DA leader John Steenhuisen confirmed Van Staden passed away earlier on Thursday after a long battle with illness.

VAN STADEN DIED ON THURSDAY AFTER A LONG BATTLE WITH BREAST CANCER

Van Staden detailed her battle with breast cancer last month, saying she was diagnosed in 2022.

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“Aside from being the DA’s only mayor in Limpopo, Marlene was a trailblazing politician and pioneering public servant who overcame tremendous obstacles in the Modimolle-Mookgophong municipality to bring better government to all who live there.

“Marlene was deeply loved by her party, her province, and her caucus where she was an incredibly dynamic and forthright mayor who lived and breathed the DA’s values and principles.”

Steenhuisen said.

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‘MARLENE WAS DEEPLY LOVED BY HER PARTY, HER PROVINCE AND HER CAUCUS’

He said Van Staden is known for being instrumental in forging relationships with civil society organisations to better capacitate and improve governance.

Van Staden is survived by her husband and two young sons.

“Marlene touched the lives of many and will live on as a true example of a dedicated public servant, a loving wife and mother, and a true friend. She will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies go to her family and friends during this difficult time,”

Steenhuisen said.

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SHE IS SURVIVED BY HER HUSBAND AND TWO YOUNG SONS

Van Staden was born in Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, and she and her family have lived in Vaalwater, Limpopo, since 1989.

She matriculated at Hoërskool Nylstroom in Modimolle and attended the University of Pretoria, where she completed a BCom degree, specialising in tourism management.

Van Staden also held a postgraduate certificate in education and a BCom honours degree in business management, specialising in financial management, through Unisa.

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.

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