First premier of KZN dies

Former national chairperson of the IFP and first premier of
KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Frank Mdlalose, has died of COVID-19.

The announcement was made by IFP Founder, Prince Mangosuthu
Buthelezi earlier today (Sunday) on the party’s social media platforms.

Dr Frank Mdlalose has died.

“It is with deep sadness that the IFP announces the passing
of our former National Chairperson, Dr Frank Mdlalose, who has succumbed to COVID-19.
We extend our condolences to his children, Makhosazana, Themba and Lindiwe and
to his wife who is currently in hospital fighting this virus. We pray for her
and we wish her strength,” Buthelezi said.

“Dr Frank Mdlalose was an outstanding servant of South
Africa. As one of the first members of Inkatha, he quickly showed his
leadership qualities and ability to ignite a vision in our people. He served in
my Cabinet in the former KwaZulu Government, as Minister of the Interior and
then Minister of Health.

“During the constitutional negotiations, he became one of
the IFP’s main negotiators and was our country’s champion for federalism and
the creation of provinces. When South Africa achieved democracy in 1994 and the
electorate placed KwaZulu-Natal under the governance of the IFP, we appointed
Dr Mdlalose as the first premier of the province,” Buthelezi explained.

He added that Mdlalose was the national chairperson and premier,
until ill health forced him to relinquish these positions. “He handed over the
premiership to Dr Ben Ngubane, having laid a good foundation of democratic
governance in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We were proud when the national government appointed Dr
Mdlalose as South Africa’s Ambassador to Egypt. Again, he served with
distinction.

I am grateful to have served our country alongside a leader
of his calibre and to have maintained a friendship with him long after our
political work together ended. We remained close, exchanging correspondence
regularly. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to see one another just six
months ago.

“The IFP gives thanks for the life of Dr Frank Mdlalose. May
his family be comforted in this difficult time and may this great patriot rest
in peace,” Buthelezi concluded.

 Source: IFP media statement

Picture: Twitter