The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has announced that it will suspend all political campaigning for the provincial premier position until further notice. This decision comes after the shocking and tragic killing of DA uMngeni Chief Whip, Councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, who was shot dead on Tuesday night.
The DA KZN Premier Campaign, led by Sakhile Mngadi, expressed its condolences to the family and friends of Councillor Ndlovu, as well as the uMngeni DA Caucus and Mayor Chris Pappas. The campaign also called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to swiftly investigate the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The campaign did not provide any details about the motive or circumstances of the killing, nor did it indicate when it would resume its activities. The campaign said it would issue further communication in due course.
Who was Councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu?
Councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu was a DA public representative in the uMngeni Municipality, which is part of the Mooi-uMngeni Constituency. He served as the Chief Whip of the DA Caucus and as a member of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).
He was first appointed as a PR councillor in 2014, following the death of DA councillor Ken Denysschen, who was electrocuted while erecting posters for the by-elections. Ndlovu took over Denysschen’s responsibilities and vowed to do his best to fulfil the residents’ needs with the help of his colleagues.
He was re-elected as a PR councillor in 2016, and became the Chief Whip of the DA Caucus. He was known for his dedication, hard work, and passion for serving the people of uMngeni. He was involved in various issues affecting the municipality, such as water, roads, waste management, and governance.
He was also a vocal critic of the uMngeni Municipal Manager, Thandeka Cibane, who failed the majority of the categories in her HR assessment in 2019. The DA called for her dismissal, citing her poor performance and the decline of service delivery in the municipality.
Councillor Ndlovu was described by his colleagues and friends as a humble, kind, and loyal person, who always had a smile on his face. He was a devoted father, husband, and friend, who loved his family and his community. He was also a man of faith, who was active in his church.
He was 47 years old at the time of his death, and is survived by his wife and four children.
