Media Statement

10 September 2021

*PREMIER WELCOMES THE GRANTING OF PROVINCIAL FUNERAL FOR THE LATE FORMER DEPUTY MINISTER KAMAGWAZA-MSIBI*

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala has described as a befitting honour the decision by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa to grant former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi a Special Official Provincial Funeral Catergory 2.

 

The Category 2 Funeral includes elements of SAPS honours, and is reserved for distinguished citizens as specially designated by the President.

 

KaMagwaza-Msibi's mortal remains will be interred during a service to be held in Ulundi on Saturday 11 September 2021.

 

Welcoming the President’s decision, Premier Zikalala described kaMagwaza-Msibi

"as a shining example of servant leadership, an activist who fully identified with those that she served".

 

Premier Zikalala said: "KaMagwaza-Msibi distinguished herself as a mature and practical politician who was prepared to work across political party lines in order to bring peace to KwaZulu-Natal. We worked very well as leaders of the NFP and ANC since 2011, and maintained good relations until her passing".

 

“At 59 years of age when she passed away, kaMagwaza-Msibi had served as a Councillor, Mayor, Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister. We have no doubt that she would had a lot more to contribute to the betterment of the lives of the people of South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal in particular,” said Premier Zikalala.

 

"We welcome the honour bestowed on her by the President and the country. It is a befitting recognition of kaMagwaza-Msibi's role as a party leader, community activist and peacemaker.

 

“KaMagwaza-Msibi was an example to women and girls all over the country that gender barriers are meant to be broken. In that manner, we will never forget her role in driving

 

Social Cohesion, Moral Regeneration and Nation-Building,” said Premier Zikalala.

 

“Again, on behalf of the government and people of KwaZulu-Natal we wish kaMagwaza-Msibi's family, colleagues and friends strength during this sad and trying time, " concluded Premier Zikalala.

*Ends*

Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government

For more information please contact Lennox Mabaso on 082 884 2403 or Gugu Sisilana on 082 889 3474