KwaZulu-Natal is in mourning following the tragic passing of Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, who died on Saturday morning after being hit by a vehicle while jogging in Newcastle.
The incident, which occurred in Allen Street, prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, political allies, and opponents alike.
At the time of his passing, 44-year-old Mahlaba was serving as an ANC member of the Provincial Task Team (PTT), a member of KZN legislature, and chairperson of several legislature committees.
His career included serving as Newcastle Local Municipality mayor, Sport, Arts and Culture MEC and Public Works and Human Settlements MEC. He was also the longstanding chairperson of the ANC in the Mbuso Kubheka Region, the former chairperson of the ANC Youth League, and the former ANC provincial treasurer.
ANC KZN spokesperson Sifiso Sonjica said the party is “frozen in disbelief that a life so full of vigour, promise, and revolutionary commitment could be extinguished so abruptly at the dawn of the morning”.
“Death has robbed us of a revolutionary doctor, a fearless youth leader, and a disciplined cadre who commanded the respect of friends and political foes alike. We have lost a titan of the working class. Cde Dr Mahlaba’s life was a masterclass in organic leadership,” Sonjica said.
KZN legislature speaker Nontembeko Boyce said: “We have lost a leader who brought commitment, humility, and a deep sense of service to every responsibility entrusted to him.
“Honourable Dr Mahlaba will be remembered for his cool demeanour, his ability to unite people across political and institutional divides, and his visionary leadership. He approached every challenge with wisdom, humility and respect for others. His counsel, steady leadership and unwavering dedication to public service will be sorely missed by members across the political spectrum, the administration of the legislature and the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Celebrating the life of Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, whose commitment to public service touched countless lives.
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said Mahlaba will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a disciplined leader, and a patriot who remained committed to improving the lives of the people of the province. His contribution to governance, public administration, and political leadership earned him the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum and the communities he served.
“His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt across government, the legislature, and the broader community,” Ntuli said.
KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said: “We will never forget him for his commitment towards the restoration of the dignity of ordinary members of society through the construction of thousands of decent houses and handover of title deeds.
“Critically, he represented a new crop of leaders in our activist KwaZulu-Natal Legislature who understood the importance of ensuring that the young and old enjoyed and benefited from this freedom and democracy.”
KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer said Mahlaba’s belief in the ideology of improvement was something he shared with others through his activism participation, where he was a shop steward who championed the rights of workers and challenged unfair labour practices while employed as a medical staff member at Madadeni Regional Hospital.
To Meyer, Mahlaba will be remembered as someone who often spoke less but listened more, something that is a rare quality. He mentioned that when Mahlaba spoke, it reflected his deeper analysis, which was often invaluable. He also described Mahlaba’s perspective during their engagements and working relationship as refreshing and sobering.
IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said: “We have lost a committed public servant whose life was defined by service, compassion and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.
“Dr Mahlaba will be remembered as a humble and approachable leader whose compassion, tireless work ethic and genuine concern for the well-being of communities earned him the respect of colleagues across the political spectrum. His passing is a significant loss not only to the African National Congress but also to the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba: A dedicated public servant whose passion for community upliftment will be remembered.
KZN Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Mntomuhle Khawula described Mahlaba as a dedicated leader whose rare attributes of calmness, respect and humility distinguished him from his peers.
“Dr Mahlaba was not just a colleague in the provincial legislature, but a political peer who never shied from ventilating his views and convictions. What stood out is that, even if he argued a point, he would register his views in a manner that depicts the highest level of political maturity and respect,” Khawula said.
DA Amajuba constituency head Dr Imran Keeka said their engagements with Mahlaba, even when they did not always share the same views, were always conducted with mutual respect, cordiality and professionalism.
“He will be remembered as an approachable, humble and caring leader who served the people with commitment,” Keeka said.
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