A giant has fallen and I take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr Bhekizizwe L Msibi, the CEO of Ladysmith Regional & District Hospital, who passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021, due to Covid-19 related complications. He was a great man, friend, leader and mentor; someone you could easily work with.
Having known him, he lived an incredible and admirable life. He was a man of God, a faithful family man, a loyal and trusted friend, and a compassionate and visionary leader. He will be greatly missed, but will be remembered often… and never forgotten. Mr Msibi leaves us with great memories, and has also built into us lessons and examples that we will carry with us. We are so thankful to him for his impact and influence.
The institution he was leading is working diligently on mitigation plans to overcome challenges encountered. We have lost a true gentleman who was open-minded and accommodated the views of the collective.
Ndlodlo, as he was affectionately known, didn’t lead by pointing and telling people to go and report back to him, but was hands-on. A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be. Indeed, he led from the front, under the stewardship of former District Director of Health Dr MT Zulu.
We have criss-crossed the district, going door-to-door as we educate and conscientise our communities about Covid-19 regulations and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Being a front-line worker himself, he always put the lives of others first. If our people can learn to co-operate and do their part, this will save many lives, especially those of our healthcare workers. Death has robbed us of a true servant who was keen on his job. Death is one moment, and life is so many of them.
Death has indeed robbed us of a soldier, a warrior and a fighter. Death, be not proud for causing us this emotional pain. The death of such brave people leaves us with a huge task of how to honour such precious souls. Keeping alive their hopes of being patriotic citizens will be an honour to such people.
As a human being, I’ve learned that people will forget what you said and what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Condolences to Mr Msibi’s family, friends and colleagues… and may his soul rest in peace.
Hamba Kahle Ndlondlo! Mabuya, Guliwe Ndlondl’eyadl’ubulongwe yalibala, Siwela, Gasa!
We’ll be okay… just not today.
Submitted by Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko (uThukela District Municipality)
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