Tributes to fallen ‘cadre’ S’bu Sithole

A SOMBRE mood prevailed yesterday at the funeral of Richmond municipal manager, Sibusiso Sithole, who was lauded for his “honesty and dedication” to work.

High-ranking politicians, including ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize, who was accompanied by his wife, May, were among the thousands of mourners at Richmond Primary School.

On the brink of tears, Sithole’s older brother Mpumelelo said, “We feel a great sadness and it’s so painful to explain it. Sbu was the head of our family. He did everything for us at home unconditionally. He loved us.

“We are still asking questions as to why our brother died in such a manner? Our brother did not deserve to die in the way he did.”

Sithole was shot four times by two gunmen on Monday morning near Richlea Primary School.

He was to start his new job at Umngeni Municipality next week.

ANC provincial chairperson Sihle Zikalala said, “It is never easy addressing a gathering of this nature, where we have all assembled to pay our final homage to an immensely talented young life senselessly cut short in its prime.”

Richmond was ravaged by political violence before and after democracy, prompting then president Nelson Mandela to visit in 1998.

“It pains us deeply that as the leadership of the ANC we have come here numerous times in the past and are still doing so, even now, either to bury comrades killed in cold blood or to calm tensions that time and again have erupted.”

Zikalala said the murder had the same devastating impact as the assassination of Burkina Faso president Thomas Sankara.

Without saying Sithole’s death was politically motivated, he said “settling of disputes is determined through the barrel of the gun”.

Richmond Mayor Joe Mchunu described Sithole as a “dedicated employee”.

Sithole’s killing also raised the ire of Premier of Kwazulunalal Willies Mchunu. “It is cause for deep concern that we are witnessing sinister attempts from various quarters to undermine the stability we have managed to bring about in our province.”

Police Minister Nathi Nhleko said the SAPS would do everything to catch the culprits. Nhleko, who visited the family earlier this week, expressed shock at the killing of a young “cadre”.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Bheki Cele and Fisheries and Education MEC Mthandeni Dlungwane.

Sithole is survived by his wife, Slindile, and six siblings.