Mother of actress Gugu Gumede and leader of the National Freedom Party (NFP) Zanele Magwaza-Msibi has passed away.
Zanele Magwaza-Msibi dies: Cause of death revealed
In a statement released by her political party on Monday, the 59-year-old’s death was linked to a cardiovascular attack, a medical condition she has struggled with since her first stroke in 2014.
NFP caucus leader Ahmed Munzoor Shaik-Emam confirmed that Gumede’s mom was recently admitted to a hospital in Durban after she fell ill.
“She was in the ICU for some time and unfortunately she succumbed to her illness on Monday morning. The party is left grieving her loss and our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time,” Shaik-Emam told TimesLive.
Family spokesperson Canaan Mdletshe stated that plans were underway to finalise funeral arrangements and that more details would be revealed in due course.
“Ms Magwaza-Msibi was an exemplary leader, an activist and an advocate of our democracy. She lived her life fighting and championing the cause of the poor, vulnerable and downtrodden. She was a loved and greatly respected leader, whose passing leaves many at a loss.”
At the time this article was published, Gumede, a renowned actress, had not released a statement on the death of her mother.
What we know about Magwaza-Msibi
The 59-year-old has garnered a reputation as a very influential woman in KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) regional politics. Her political ideology was carved by the teachings of longtime leader of the IFP, Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
For 15 years, since 2000, Magwaza-Msibi served as mayor of the Zululand District Municipality, a role not suited for the faint-hearted.
In 2014, former president Jacob Zuma welcomed Magwaza-Msibi as Deputy Minister of Security and Technology, a position she happily accepted under the strict condition that she would be granted untethered anonymity.
Magwaza-Msibi saw a greater challenge at the NFP and she jumped ship, where she was taken in as the party’s leader. In 2016, however, the party was barred from participating in the general elections due to funding issues.
In response to this setback, Magwaza-Msibi focused her entire career on rebuilding the political identity of the party. Sadly, she would not live to see its full potential.
Here are some of the reactions we picked out on tributes that have poured in for Magwaza-Msibi:
Black First Land First; Honours and Celebrates the Life of Mama Zanele KaMagwaza Msibi.
— join BLF Now!! (@BLFmembers) September 6, 2021
As a movement we are bereaved at the loss of a warrior, leader and mother; Comrade Zanele Magwaza Msibi. #ZaneleMagwazaMsibi
Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi has passed away. She is the leader of NFP and mother to actress Gugu 'Mamlambo' Gumede. Sending sincere condolences to her family, friends and party comrades.❤️ ️ #RIPZaneleKaMagwazaMsibi pic.twitter.com/3XEOmPn1bF
— Bekithemba Zulu (@BekithembaZ) September 6, 2021
Rest in peace Zanele KaMagwaza Msibi. First black woman who launched a political party & led it to parliament. pic.twitter.com/WgxSWKWfny
— Bra Hloni (@HonourableHloni) September 6, 2021
We are receive the news of passing away of President Zanele KaMagwaza Msibi uVZ with sadness. May her soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/8l8VK1ETfr
— Bonginkosi Khanyile (@Khanyile_BG) September 6, 2021