Pietermaritzburg: KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has learnt with shock and sadness of the untimely passing of the Municipal Manager of the Richmond local municipality Mr Sikhombiso Mthembu (60) this morning following a short illness.
The news of Mthembu’s passing comes at a time when the municipality is still mourning the passing of two of its staff members who also succumbed to a short illness; Mr Tyran Andrew Ramnath (38) who served as the Senior Human Resource Officer who passed away 23 December, Mr Mabhekisisa Bigboy Mhlongo (53) who served as the Strategic Manager for Community Services who passed away on 17 December.
These deaths come at a time when the sphere of local government in the province is facing immense pressure as a result of the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus which has had a negative impact on municipalities.
The loss of yet another footsoldier in the battle to improve the lives of our people through the tangible delivery of services comes as a big blow to us as the sphere of local government in the province and the community of Richmond.
Mthembu had been a loyal servant of the people Richmond and used his extensive experience in local government to serve his community.
Hlomuka has sent condolences to the Mthembu family and the municipality.
The department continues to engage the administrator in the municipality to ensure that adequate support is provided to staff as they deal with this traumatic incident.
Hlomuka has also assured residents that his department is working closely with the political leadership and the administrator to ensure that Richmond continues to function optimally.