Sam Kwelita dies in hospital after illness
FRIENDS, former colleagues and political opponents paid tribute to former Eastern Cape MEC Sam Kwelita, who died yesterday. He was 59.
Kwelita fell ill at the beginning of the year and spent long periods in an East London private hospital, where he eventually died.
The former MEC for roads, public works and social development, and former COPE provincial leader, had retired from politics at the time of his death.
His brother, Joseph, said Kwelita had been sick since the beginning of the year.
“He would get infections and then it clears and then he would get sick again.
“Only two days ago he was fine and seemed like his old self again and then the situation suddenly changed,” Joseph said yesterday.
The former COPE MPL is survived by his wife and two children.
ANC provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane described Kwelita, who had defected to COPE from the ANC in 2008, as “one of those champion members”.
“We have good memories of him in the ANC; he was one of those versatile members.”
COPE acting provincial secretary Lindela Dyan said it was “a sad day for us as COPE”.
“We’ve lost one of our greatest comrades who contributed to the building of COPE.
“May his soul rest in peace,” Dyan said.
UDM MPL Max Mhlathi described Kwelita as humble and very bright.
“He was very sharp on issues of governance,” he said.
Kwelita’s former colleague, Nkosifikile Gqomo, said they had worked together at a time when it was unfashionable to be in politics.
“He was a strategist and learnt a lot from him.”
DA provincial chairwoman Veliswa Mvenya said Kwelita was one of the longest serving members of the legislature – from 1994 until last year – and was MEC of various departments.
“His experience and knowledge was regarded by all and his quiet manner will be remembered,” she said.
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