A great tree has fallen within the institution of traditional leadership in our province. We have this morning learned of the sudden passing of Inkosi Totali Protas Mbhele (70) of Amaphuthu Traditional Council, under the Nkandla Local Municipality in the King Cetshwayo District.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of a community builder who built bridges of peace and development for his community during his 24 reigns.
We wish to express our deepest sympathies first and foremost to His Majesty the King Misuzulu KaZwelithini who has lost a faithful steward that served with all diligence. We also express condolences to the family of Inkosi and the entire traditional community.
During this difficult period, we pray that the Lord Almighty would strengthen the family as they prepare to lay their beloved Inkosi.
Collectively the institution of traditional leadership in our province has lost a dynamic, forward-thinking visionary, who was ahead of his time and opened doors to partnerships that would assist to bring development to his community.
As a department, we have assigned senior officials to provide support to the family as it prepares to lay Inkosi to rest at his final resting place.
Issued by the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala