By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Zanele Magwaza-Msibi following the announcement of her passing on Monday.
Pandor in a statement said Magwaza-Msibi, the Founder and President of the National Freedom Party, played an important role in assisting her to steer the Department of Science and Technology when she became the Deputy Minister in 2014.
“In her, I found a person who was genuinely concerned with the plight of our people, particularly the youth and women from the deep rural parts of our country. From the moment she joined the department, she became not just the champion but a strong advocate for the use of science and technology to improve the lives of our people,” said Pandor.
The Minister said her thoughts and prayers were with the Magwaza-Msibi’s family during this time of bereavement.
“May her soul rest in peace,” she said.
NFP secretary-general Canaan Mdletshe confirmed her death, saying the party was devastated as NFP members had hoped that she would recover.
Mdletshe said she had died as a result of cardiac arrest.
KaMagwaza-Msibi cut her political teeth in the IFP and rose through the ranks to become its national chairperson.
The former mayor of Zululand District Municipality founded the NFP as a breakaway from the IFP in 2011.
After her party secured several seats in the National Assembly and KwaZulu-Natal legislature, former president Jacob Zuma appointed her as the deputy minister of science and technology from 2014 until 2019.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) has also extended its “deepest condolences” to the family, friends and colleagues of kaMagwaza-Msibi.
“Mama Zanele served the people of South Africa with distinction during her tenure as a Parliamentarian between 2014 and 2019 when she resigned due to ill-health,” said ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe.
“May the family, friends and colleagues of Mama Zanele find solace in knowing that their loss is shared by the entire nation. May her soul rest in peace.”