By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The former Newcastle Mayor, and African National Congress (ANC) promising young leader Dr Nthutuko Mahlaba, has sadly passed away after being struck by a vehicle this morning.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday, 4 July 2026.
“It is with profound shock, shattering grief, and an overflowing sense of revolutionary heartbreak that the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal announces the sudden and tragic passing of one of its most vibrant, dedicated, and battle-tested servants, Cde Dr Nkululeko Ntuthuko Mahlaba.”
The party said Mahlaba died after a road accident during his morning jog.
“He met his untimely and tragic end early this morning following a horrific road accident when he was struck by a vehicle while jogging in Newcastle.”
The ANC described his death as a devastating loss to the organisation and the broader liberation movement.
“The news of his sudden departure has cast a dark, painful, and impenetrable cloud over the entire province and the broader liberation movement. We are frozen in disbelief that a life so full of vigour, promise, and revolutionary commitment could be extinguished so abruptly.”
At the time of his death, Mahlaba was serving as a member of the ANC’s Provincial Task Team, a member of the KZN Legislature and Chairperson of Committees, also known as the Chair of Chairs.
Tributes
ANC KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Sifiso Sonjica said, “Death has robbed us of a revolutionary doctor, a fearless youth leader, and a disciplined cadre who commanded the respect of friends and political foes alike. We have lost a titan of the working class. Cde Dr Mahlaba’s life was a masterclass in organic leadership.”
Sonjica said Mahlaba dedicated his life to both medicine and public service.
“As a medical doctor by profession, he chose to heal both the physical bodies of our people in public hospitals and the socio-economic wounds of his community through the radical programmes of the ANC.”
The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal (DA KZN) said, “We extend our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and his political party during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, and we hope they find strength and comfort in faith, prayer and unity as they mourn his loss.”
Mahlaba also served as the ANC’s provincial treasurer in KwaZulu-Natal as well as the chairperson of the party’s Mbuso Kubheka Region (formerly eMalahleni). He served as Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for Sports, Arts and Culture in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government. From August 2022 to May 2023, he was the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works. Mahlaba previously served as the executive mayor of the Newcastle Local Municipality from 2019 to 2021.