Condolences for slain KZN chief

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has expressed sadness at the untimely passing of Inkosi Zwelakhe Ndaba of Ntabamhlophe, in the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We are shocked and saddened by the senseless killing of Inkosi Ndaba who was reportedly brutally killed by unknown gunmen at his home last night near Estcourt,” the Minister said in a statement.

She said: “As a department, we wish to join others from across the country in expressing our condolences to the family of Inkosi, the whole traditional sector, communities, the local house of traditional leaders and indeed the entire country.”

As a leader of his people, Dlamini Zuma said the chief “led with diligence, and compassion and exuded the greatest wisdom which he imparted to all those whose lives he touched across his traditional area” and uThukela District where he “served diligently”.

“We do not have words to express on such a barbaric act of cowardice that took Inkosi Ndaba from his family, his people and all of us. His untimely passing surely left a void and we will surely remember him and his indomitable commitment to serving his people, even beyond his own needs.”

She said Inkosi Ndaba was one of those traditional leaders who were passionate about the development of his people and ensuring that the greater uThukela District community received maximum benefit through partnerships from various projects and service delivery initiatives by government.

“His warmth and friendliness will be greatly missed. The institution of traditional leadership is much poorer without him.

“On behalf of the sector, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, and the community and we assure them of our support as they go through this difficult time. Our prayers are with the family and wish them strength to carry through in this difficult time.”

The Minister called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned and make sure that the perpetrators of such a heinous crime are speedily apprehended.