The IFP is shattered by the news of the passing away of one of its visionary leaders, Dr Lissa Joyce Themba Mthalane, and her husband, Baldwin Mthalane. According to the preliminary reports, the two pensioners were burned beyond recognition at their Ngwelezane home near eMpangeni, in the north of KwaZulu-Natal. It is believed that the lovebirds’ home was gutted by a fire last night. At their time of death, they were both involved in a sugarcane-growing business and owned a retail shop at Embabe in the KwaMthethwa area.
Dr Mthalane, who is a former Matron at Ngwelezane Hospital, made history as she was registered as the first woman in the history of South Africa to serve in the Cabinet of the erstwhile KwaZulu Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister – now IFP President Emeritus – His Excellency Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Her diligence and tenacity earned her the first female Health Portfolio Committee Chairperson position under the democratic dispensation post-1994.
The IFP conveys its condolences to the family, the entire IFP family, the President Emeritus, and the IFP President, Honourable Velenkosini Hlabisa. The IFP prides itself on identifying, moulding and recognising Dr Mthalane’s capabilities, and those of other women in government. This bears testimony that the IFP has always believed in the ability of visionary women leaders.
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Contact:
Mr Blessed Gwala
MPL and National Chairman of the IFP
078 290 5842
