Ex-civil servant showed diligence in school days
Zwayi was dedicated to his work, family
Born: June 15 1967 Died December 8 Funeral December 22 in Peddie, Eastern Cape Burial At local cemetery
Former provincial department of education chief of staff Zwayi Mhlauli, 50, who died at the weekend, has been described as a dependable public servant who dedicated his life to the service of his people.
This was said by Mhlauli’s long-time friend and comrade, Namhla Mjo.
According to Mjo, Mhlauli served under several education MECs and was always up to the task.
He was an ANC activist in Amathole region during the Struggle against the Ciskei Bantustan regime.
Said Mjo: “Zwayi was a reliable and dependable comrade and public servant. This cannot be better explained by his ability to serve under at least five MECs without being at odds with any of them.
“As a friend he was that person you could confide in about anything. He was a problemsolver of note.
“Above all, he cared a great deal about the wellbeing of his family, in particular his siblings.”
Mhlauli was born Mziwamadoda Mhlauli in 1967 in Port Elizabeth.
He was the first born of four children of Mbuyiselo and Nothandiwe Mhlauli.
He grew up in Peddie, where he did his lower primary studies at Nyaniso and then proceeded to Amahlubi Higher Primary.
He then proceeded to Nathaniel Pamla High School where he became an active member of anti-apartheid movement, the United Democratic Front.
He was an all-rounder sportsman, playing rugby and soccer for village teams the Bombers and Cosmos respectively.
He was a flexible, diverse, committed and disciplined learner who excelled in academic and extra-mural activities. .
After matric he studied at Fort Hare University where he obtained a BA degree, majoring in politics.
Mhlauli served as chief of staff for 10 years under five different political principals before leaving public service for business in 2010.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday next week at Nyaniso Location in Peddie.