The IFP in the KZN Legislature, as the Official Opposition, is deeply saddened by the passing of Inkosi Bonga Mdletshe.
Inkosi Mdletshe’s death is a great loss for the entire institution of traditional leadership, not just the Mdletshe family and clan. His warmth and friendliness will be sorely missed, and the institution of traditional leadership in KZN will be poorer without his stature. His passing came at a critical time when his leadership and inputs are needed to ensure that the legislation ensuring that the institution’s dignity is restored.
Inkosi Bonga Mdletshe was a loyal, committed, and senior member of the IFP. He became Inkosi of the Mdletshe Clan in the late 80s and became a member of Hlabisa Regional Authority as well as a Member of the erstwhile KwaZulu Legislative Assembly representing KwaHlabisa Electoral Division in 1989. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Justice by the Chief Minister of KwaZulu Government, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. He became a member of the National Council of the IFP the same year. He joined the KZN Legislature after the new dispensation and served in various Portfolios such as Traditional Affairs, Health, Education, Environment, and Premier. In the Third Term of KZN Legislature, he was elected the Speaker. He continued to serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the country with dignity and decorum even after 2004 as a backbencher. He also served on various Portfolios of the IFP such as the Political Oversight Committee.
Inkosi Mdletshe will be remembered for his sterling job when he was an IFP MPL, where he was always available to attend to the Legislature work. He played a pivotal role in strengthening the role of traditional leadership in the sphere of local government and worked hard in deepening the values of constitutional democracy and the principles of cooperative governance.
The IFP sends its heartfelt condolences to the Mdletshe family and Clan, Amakhosi and His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. We pray that God will comfort them in this time of grief and mourning. We hope that they will draw comfort in the knowledge that Inkosi Mdletshe died as he lived; as a man of peace.
May his soul rest in peace.
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Contact
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP Leader of the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842
