NEWCASTLE KZN: Dr Frank Mdlalose, first Premier of KZN, has passed away

KwaZulu-Natal’s first Premier, Dr Frank Mdlalose passed away on Sunday, April 4.

The former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) National Chairperson was reported to have died from Covid-19 and his family has since issued a statement to the public.

“We had a happy life and our father looked after all of us, and our mother, very well. He was a good father,” read the statement, which was sent by Dr Mdlalose’s daughter, Makhosazana Mdlalose on behalf of the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“It was wonderful to have such a man as a father. As a family, we are so proud of the work he did in the community in Newcastle, as well as the work he did for the province and for our country. He worked in the community as a doctor and as a politician.”

Dr Mdlalose was 89 at the time of his passing and his family said he lived a good life despite his ‘many co-morbidities’ and ‘is at rest now’.

“Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the many kind messages of support and condolence that we have received since the news broke of our father’s passing.”    

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Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, MP Founder and President Emeritus of the IFP, pays tribute to Dr Frank Mdlalose:

In a statement released via the official Facebook page for the IFP, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi confirmed Dr Mdlalose succumbed to Covid-19 and extended condolences to his children (Makhosazana, Themba and Lindiwe) and to his wife, who is currently in hospital fighting the virus.

“We pray for her and we wish her strength. Dr Frank Mdlalose was an outstanding servant of South Africa. 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 on another just six months ago.”

The IFP gave its thanks for the life of Dr Mdlalose and offered his family comfort in this difficult time.

“May this great patriot rest in peace,” concluded Prince Buthelezi.

Premier Sihle Zikalala counts Dr Mdlalose’s passing as an immense loss:

In his statement following the passing of Dr Frank Mdlalose, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said he had received the news ‘with the greatest sadness and an immense sense of loss’.

“As the Government of KwaZulu-Natal, we mourn the passing of this giant leader of the people of our province. Dr Mdlalose sits among the rare breed of civil servants who sacrificed their potentially lucrative careers as full-time medical doctors to dedicate their lives to the service of our nation,” said Premier Zikalala.

He further described Dr Mdlalose as a ‘leader with eyes fixed firmly on the masses of our people and extending beyond the party line’.

“Dr Mdlalose was a catalyst for change and a development oriented politician. To Dr Mdlalose’s family, we wish to express the gratitude of the people of KZN for the life-time of service given by Dr Mdlalose as a community doctor and a dedicated but humble servant of the people of our province. May his family draw strength during this time, knowing that his was a life lived fully and with an indelible legacy. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

Premier Zikalala confirmed Dr Mdlalose would be given an official state-funded funeral, which was approved by the President of South Africa, to ensure his legacy to the nation was aptly honoured and remembered.

The Democratic Alliance extends its condolences:

Francois Jwara Rodgers, MPL and DA KZN Leader, extended his deepest condolences to the family of Dr Mdlalose saying the party enjoyed a good working relationship with him during his time as Premier.

“He strived to include all parties in the post-apartheid dispensation and included the DA in his provincial Cabinet under the position of Chairman of Education. Dr Mdlalose served the province and his counter well during his tenure and his passing is a great loss. We send our heartfelt condolences to his party, the IFP, and his family – Ulale ngokuthula Nyanda wephahla. The DA would also like to wish a speedy recovery to Mama Mdlalose who is reported to be in the hospital.”

According to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, the funeral is set to take place on Thursday, April 8 at Madadeni.

As part of the funeral arrangements, the South African Police Service will provide ‘ceremonial elements and the flag will be flown at half-mast in the province on the day’.

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