The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Mr Sihle Zikalala has paid tribute to the late Dr Ben Ngubane, whose contribution to the province has been described as “monumental”, having served as Premier during the politically-sensitive days of co-governance between the IFP and the ANC.

Dr Ngubane passed away in the early hours of this morning, due to Covid-19-related complications.

“The Province has lost a stalwart servant, a fine scholar and a true visionary who led the drive for economic and political unity in the province”, said Premier Sihle Zikalala

Having qualified as a medical doctor from the University of Natal in 1971, Dr Ngubane served as Premier of KwaZulu-Natal from 1997 to 1999.

“Dr Ngubane was the province’s second Premier in 1997 after the now-late Dr Frank Mdlalose. This was a crucial period of transition from Apartheid, during which as a national and provincial government, we were seized with the task of bringing lasting peace to KwaZulu-Natal.

“Dr Ngubane was crucial in building fraternal relations with the leadership of the ANC. He always had a steady hand, and was imbued with the skill and wisdom to handle delicate situations with tact and due sensitivity.

“He made a monumental contribution to peace, and the building a new democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa,” said Premier Zikalala.

Dr Ngubane played a major role in the birth of the new South Africa when he in 1992, served on the CODESA working group dealing with constitutional principles. In recognition of his diplomatic prowess, Dr Ngubane was deployed to serve as an ambassador to Japan from 2004 to 2008.

At national level, Dr Ngubane was Minister of Arts and Culture under the Nelson Mandela government and served from 1994 until August 1996, and again from February 1999 until April 2004.

He also served the country as Chairperson of the Eskom board from December 2014 to June 2017. He will also be remembered for chairing the SABC and the Land Bank.

In 2010, he was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun for his contribution “to the enhancement of the relationship and the co-operation in science and technology between Japan and South Africa’’.

“Those of us who were privileged to know Dr Ben Ngubane must build on the rich and lasting legacy of peace and economic development he has bequeathed to us. His untiring service and the quality of his scholarship shall forever remain as monuments. He is indeed one of those eminent citizens whose who immensely contributed in building a better South Africa” added Premier Zikalala.

“We pay tribute to Dr Ngubane for a life well-lived, and thank him and his family for a sterling contribution to the new South Africa. We convey our deepest condolences to his family, including his children and grand- children at this time. May his Soul Rest in Perfect Peace”.

PREMIER ZIKALALA SEND CONDOLENCES TO THE ZUMA FAMILY

As the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal, we take this opportunity to pay tribute to Michael Zuma, the younger brother of former President Jacob Zuma, who sadly passed away on Sunday.

“Michael Zuma served as a pillar of strength for the Zuma family during the incarceration of the former President on Robben Island, and when he was in exile. He served as a shield for the family during all those difficult times, and always remained unshakeable in his beliefs.

His passing at this time inflicts even greater pain on the Nxamalala clan, who are suffering the current incarceration of the former President in Estcourt.

“We wish the Nxamalala clan strength and fortitude during this time. May the Soul of Mr Michael Zuma rest in Peace,” said Premier Zikalala.