Media Statement: KZN Cogta MEC Hlomuka joins mourners in paying tribute to the late Inkosi Nxumalo

27 March 2022

The Nxumalo Traditional Community paid a moving tribute to their late Inkosi Mandlakayise Nxumalo during the funeral service that took place at Nazareth in the Alfred Duma local municipality today.

The funeral, which was attended by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Sipho Hlomuka, celebrated the life of Inkosi Nxumalo.

Inkosi Nxumalo was a former teacher and a former member of the KZN Provincial Legislature.

Speaking during the funeral, MEC Hlomuka hailed Inkosi as a servant leader who worked tirelessly in the interest of his community and knocked on all doors to ensure that services are brought to his community.

He spearheaded the construction of early childhood facilities, agricultural and livestock programmes aimed at providing sustinance to his community.

Our interactions with Inkosi Nxumalo have always been pleasant and all spheres of government always felt welcome when engaging with Inkosi on government services they planned to roll out.

Our province has lost a leader who had a vital role within the institution of traditional leadership.

His unfortunate passing leaves a gaping hole within the institution.

Many younger amakhosi looked up to Inkosi Nxumalo who was a mentor to them.

As a department we are lost for words and call upon law enforcement agencies to quickly apprehend those that are responsible for the assassination of Inkosi Nxumalo, who was killed by unknown gunmen on Tuesday, 22 March 2022.

Traditional Leaders are a pillar within our communities.

Efforts by those who seek to undermine this institution through attacks on amakhosi and izinduna will not succeed.

The recent breakthroughs made by law enforcement in the arrest of suspects in the murders of Inkosi Biyela and Ibambabukhosi Zondi that took place last year, give us hope that law enforcement agencies are winning in the fight against lawlessness.

The provincial government is continuing with efforts to address concerns raised by amakhosi and izinduna through closely working with law enforcement agencies.

The funeral of Inkosi Nxumalo was attended by the Mayor of the Alfred Duma Local Municipality Cllr Sibisi, the Mayor of uMzinyathi District Cllr Ngubane and other dignitaries.

Issued by the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sipho Hlomuka

Ends.