The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, welcomes the decision by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa to grant the late Honourable Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba an Official Provincial Funeral in recognition of his distinguished service to the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

The decision follows a request from the Mahlaba family to the Premier who then made an application to the President. The Premier regards the decision to grant the Official Provincial Funeral as sa fitting tribute to a dedicated public servant whose life was defined by selfless service, principled leadership and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people. Dr Mahlaba’s philanthropic work bears further testimony to the aforementioned commitment.

Dr Mahlaba served with distinction as a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, where he held the important responsibility of Chair of Chairs. He also served as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Human Settlements and Public Works, as well as MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture. During his tenure, he made a significant contribution to advancing service delivery, infrastructure development, sustainable human settlements, and the promotion of sport, arts and culture throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

Premier Ntuli said the granting of an Official Provincial Funeral reflects the high regard in which Dr Mahlaba was held and recognises his enduring contribution to democratic governance, public administration and the development of the province.

"The decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to accord Honourable Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba an Official Provincial Funeral is a fitting tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal with humility, integrity and distinction. On behalf of the Provincial Government, we express our sincere appreciation to the President for this honour and reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the Mahlaba family to ensure that Dr Mahlaba receives a dignified and deserving farewell," said Premier Ntuli."

The Premier further noted that Dr Mahlaba will be remembered as a disciplined leader, a committed patriot, and a servant of the people whose contribution earned him the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum and the communities he faithfully served.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is working closely with the Presidency, the Mahlaba family, and all relevant stakeholders on the funeral arrangements.The funeral service wll take place as follows:

Date: ​11 July 2026
Time: ​09am
Venue: ​St Matthews Anglican Church, Nkande Village, eNquthu

Premier Ntuli has called on the people of KwaZulu-Natal to join the Mahlaba family in celebrating the life and legacy of Honourable Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba and to continue keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult period.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT