Tributes paid as EFF MP Apleni laid to rest
Provincial treasurer and EFF MP Thembinkosi Apleni was buried on Saturday.
Apleni died at home on May 12.
He was a permanent delegate for Eastern Cape at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) from 2019.
Provincial EFF chair Zilindile Vena described Apleni as a disciplinarian and humble man who had been passionate about fighting for economic freedom.
“We are saddened and heartbroken by the untimely passing of our treasurer.
“We will always miss him and salute [him] for the contribution he made to the struggle for economic freedom of our lifetime.”
Apleni was elected provincial deputy chair in 2018.
“Before that he was regional secretary in Buffalo City Metro.
“He was then elected in 2022 as the provincial treasurer, where his duties included fundraising for all programmes of the organisation.”
EFF Buffalo City regional chair Mziyanda Hlekiso said Apleni had been the one who took the organisation to local government elections in 2016.
“He immensely contributed within the political party,” he said.
“We are deeply heartbroken and have greatly lost one of the pillars in the province.”
Apleni’s funeral service took place at his home in Sweetwater and he was buried at the Club View Cemetery in Qonce.
EFF members were dressed in their political organisation’s colours and flags were hoisted.
His brother-in-law, Vuyani Msadu, described Apleni as a people’s person who had truly loved his family.
“He was a selfless person who was caring and ensured everyone was happy.”
Apleni leaves his wife, three children and siblings.
Before joining parliament, he served as a councillor in Buffalo City Metro.
National EFF official Nontando Tshungu said: “He was a very dedicated person who did his work with pride, and ensured things were precisely done.
“We have missed someone who was recently appointed as the provincial elections manager.”
The National Assembly leadership said yesterday it was saddened by the unexpected and sudden passing of Apleni.