Tributes pour in for IFP stalwart

TRIBUTES continue to pour in for the late IFP heavyweight and former uThungulu District Municipality Mayor, Dr Bhekisisa ‘BV’ Mthethwa, who passed away last Friday after a long illness.

Former colleague, Bonginkosi Bhekizenzo ‘BB’ Biyela, who worked with him at the uThungulu District Municipality, described his passing as a big loss.

‘I will miss his humour, his love for education and his deep respect for other religions and his humanity in general.

‘I worked with him for 14 years as Municipal Manager and he was the glue that kept councillors together. He had the gift of reaching out to all political parties in the council.

‘I was fortunate to have worked with a political boss who understood his role and respected my role as a Municipal Manager,’ said Biyela.

‘Together we complemented each other very well and the unqualified reports we received was as a result of that working environment.

‘Mthethwa’s story is a very fascinating one. This was a man who started working as a privately paid teacher, but pushed himself to become a doctor.

‘He played a huge role in assisting other teachers with development programmes in conjunction with the then Rand Afrikaanse Universiteit.

‘He also started a learning academy in Richards

Bay, specialising in local government,’ said Biyela.

IFP national spokesperson and Member of Parliament, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, described Mthethwa as an accomplished politician, historian and scholar.

‘He served in the capacity of Acting National Chairperson of the IFP between 2011 and 2012 and served diligently on the IFP’s National Council, the party’s highest decision making body.

Prince Buthelezi (uMntwana) has lost a trusted lieutenant.

According to Mthethwa’s close confidante, Thama Khumalo, the memorial service for the former Mthiyaqhwa High School principal will be held tomorrow (Friday) at his home in Nhlabosini Reserve, starting at 10am.

The funeral service will be held at the same venue on Sunday.

Mthethwa (61) is survived by three wives, umaMbuyazi, umaHlongwane, umaMjadu, a son Zwe and three grandchildren.

Transport has been arranged to ferry people to the funeral from KwaSokhulu, eNseleni and Empangeni.

Those wishing to attend can contact IFP uMfolozi Chairperson, Mr Mthiyane, on 083 2511505 or Bheki Khishwa on 076 2881106.