By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party KwaZulu-Natal communications head and former journalist Canaan Mdletshe has died in a car crash.
The party confirmed Mdletshe was involved in a car accident in the northern parts of the province on Thursday night.
Mdletshe was traveling from the by-elections in Mtubatuba.
He was a member of the KZN Provincial Detachment under the leadership of former KZN premier Willies Mchunu.
He joined the MK Party in August 2024 after leaving the National Freedom Party (NFP) following its decision to govern with the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA).
MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said Mdletshe played a pivotal role in the NFP as its Secretary General before joining the MK party.]
“He gallantly picked up the spear of uMkhonto weSizwe party and continued the revolution of emancipating our people against imperialism and neo-colonialism.
“Whilst we cannot fathom the extent of the excruciating anguish of grief from this tragedy, the leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe party wishes to convey its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of Commander Mdletshe.
Ndhlela reassured Mdletshe’s family that the MK party is committed to supporting them in this trying time.
“Commander Mdletshe was no coward, he picked up his spear and fought for the downtrodden and marginalised of our people. uMkhonto weSizwe Party salutes his bravery and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Before joining politics, Mdletshe had a long career in journalism as a journalist at the Sowetan and The Times.