ANC Leader Ntuthuko Mahlaba Dies in Road Accident

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has announced the death of senior leader Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba after a vehicle struck him while he was jogging in Newcastle on Saturday morning.

According to the ANC, Mahlaba died after a vehicle hit him during his early morning run. The ANC described his passing as 'tragic and heartbreaking' and said the news had left members across the province in shock.

Mahlaba served as a member of the ANC KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team, a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), and Chairperson of Committees in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. He previously served as Executive Mayor of Newcastle Local Municipality and held the positions of KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture and MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements.

The ANC said Mahlaba also served as its provincial treasurer, ANC Youth League provincial chairperson, and regional chairperson in the Mbuso Kubheka Region. He was a medical doctor who dedicated his career to public service and community development.

'A revolutionary doctor, a fearless youth leader, and a disciplined cadre who commanded the respect of friends and political foes alike,' the statement read.

The ANC extended its condolences to Mahlaba's wife, Dr Busi Mahlaba, their children, relatives, friends, and colleagues.

### Background on ANC KwaZulu-Natal Leader

Ntuthuko Mahlaba was born on 1978 in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. He studied medicine at the University of Natal and later pursued a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Durban-Westville.

Mahlaba served as a municipal councillor in Newcastle from 2000 to 2006, before being elected as the Executive Mayor of the local municipality. He later served as the MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture and MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.

Mahlaba was a member of the ANC's Provincial Task Team and had been involved in several key policy initiatives in the province. He was widely respected for his community development work and his commitment to social justice.

### ANC's Call for Respect for Mahlaba's Family

The ANC has appealed to the public and the media to respect the Mahlaba family's privacy during this difficult time.

'The ANC humbly requests the members of the public and media to give the family privacy while dealing with this tragedy,' a statement read.

The ANC has not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, and an investigation is underway.

### Recent Tragedies for the ANC

Mahlaba's death comes weeks after another tragic loss for the ANC. Last month, ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve was shot dead in his office in Gqeberha. Police are investigating that incident separately.

### ANC's Response to Mahlaba's Death

The ANC has released a statement expressing its shock and sadness at Mahlaba's death. '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,' the statement read.

The ANC has also extended its condolences to Mahlaba's family and colleagues.

### Key Facts

  • Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba was 48 years old at the time of his death.
  • He served as a member of the ANC KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team.
  • Mahlaba was a medical doctor and former Executive Mayor of Newcastle Local Municipality.
  • He was a member of the ANC Youth League and held several leadership positions within the party.
  • Mahlaba was widely respected for his community development work and his commitment to social justice.