Tributes for giant leader Dr Frank Mdlalose Former MEC Dhlomo with former premier Dr Frank Mdlalose and his wife Eunice. Image: Supplied
The first premier of KwaZulu-Natal, IFP veteran Dr Frank Mdlalose, has died of Covid-19, the party announced on Saturday.
“It is with deep sadness that the IFP announces the passing of our former national chairperson, Dr Frank Mdlalose, who has succumbed to Covid-19. We extend our condolences to his daughter, Ms Makhosazana Mdlalose, and to his wife who is currently in hospital fighting this virus. We pray for her and we wish her strength,” party founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi said in a statement.
IFP
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala, has described the death of Dr Frank Themba Mdlalose, as a result of Covid-19, as an ‘immense loss’.
Mdlalose, the first democratically elected premier of the province, who died on Saturday, was due to celebrate his 90th birthday this year.
“Dr Mdlalose sits among the rare breed of civil servants, who sacrificed their potentially lucrative careers as full-time medical doctors to dedicate their lives to the service of our nation,” Zikalala said.
“By so doing, he entered a world of uncertainty and one which was marked by twists and turns.
“While conditions may threaten to overwhelm, they also define leaders who are suited to the time, as Dr Mdlalose was for the transition from apartheid to democracy.