Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi
Image source: Flickr
NFP leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi to be laid to rest
The NFP’s Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi passed away earlier this week at the age of 59 after suffering cardiac arrest
Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi
Image source: Flickr
Family and friends of the National Freedom Party (NFP) leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi are set to bid her farewell as they lay her to rest on Saturday, 11 September in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal.
KaMagwaza-Msibi passed away earlier this week at the age of 59 after suffering cardiac arrest. She resigned from Parliament in 2019.
Back in 2014, kaMagwaza-Msibi suffered a stroke, just six months after being appointed deputy minister of Science and Technology by then President Jacob Zuma.
Most of her political career was in the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) where she served as a councillor, MP and even party chair but left due in 2011 to form the NFP.
On Friday, 10 September, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa had declared a special category two funeral for her.
“KaMagwaza-Msibi distinguished herself as a mature and practical politician who was prepared to work across political party lines in order to bring peace to KZN. We worked very well as leaders of the NFP and ANC since 2011, and maintained good relations until her passing,” Zikalala said.
Political parties pay tribute to kaMagwaza-Msibi
Tributes have since poured in following Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi’s passing. Political parties have also reacted, mostly praising her for her service in office.
Her own party (NFP) has hailed her as an inspirational leader who continued working even after suffering a stroke.
“We will always remember her courage. Even when she served as a deputy minister, she was able to balance the work of a deputy minister and the work of her party. It is indeed a great loss for us,” said the GOOD Party’s Patricia de Lille.
While the Democratic Alliance (DA) have described kaMagwaza-Msibi as fearless and a trailblazer in women’s politics.
While the African National Congress (ANC) has also paid tribute to her.
“Mama Zanele served the people of SA with distinction during her tenure as a parliamentarian between 2014 and 2019 when she resigned due to ill-health,” said spokesperson Pule Mabe.
