THE year 2016 has been a rough one for both the ANC in the Lower South Coast Region and the Ugu district municipality.
The party has been hit hard by deaths in the LSC region, losing three councillors in less than two months.
The latest is ANC chairman and Ugu mayor, Councillor Obert Tolomane Mnyayiza (44), who died yesterday (Wednesday) after reportedly being ill for some time.
Cllr Mnyayiza has been described by his colleagues as ‘a leader who was very firm but honest and reliable’.
He was sworn in as the new Ugu mayor, following the August 3 elections, taking over from previous mayor and current Speaker, Ntombifikile Gumede.
Last week, Ugu municipal manager, DD Naidoo told the Herald at a media briefing that Cllr Mnyayiza was very ill, citing this as the reason for the mayor’s silence on the recent water crisis.
His death has hit hard as he was a very senior leader and much respected.
His comrades have described him as ‘the glue that held things together when they were falling apart’.
ANC Provincial Spokesman, Super Zuma told the Herald that a leader had fallen.
You could never separate him from the ANC, he had such big plans for his communities as mayor, – Super Zuma
According to Mr Zuma, Cllr Mnyayiza was softly-spoken, loved laughing but was very strict when it came to getting his work done.
“We need more people like him, we have really lost a good cadre. We thank him for his contribution to Ugu municipality and the ANC,” Mr Zuma added.
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