Durban - Thousands of mourners gathered at the JL Dube Stadium in Inanda on Saturday to pay tribute to ANC chief whip in the provincial legislature, Langalakhe “Senzo” Mkhize, 46, who died last week after a long illness.
The 5 000 seater marquee erected at the stadium was packed with mourners, most wearing ANC T-shirts bearing Mkhize’s face. Government and political leaders queued up to pay their respects.
Speaking on behalf of the ANCs national leadership, treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize urged all “comrades” to be strong going forward and honour Mkhize by stamping out factionalism, corruption and gatekeeping in the ANC. He described Mkhize as a disciplined and dedicated person. “He was able to control himself. He was determined and he inspired confidence,” he said.
Mkhize spoke strongly against factions that plague the party.
“This thing of people who say I’m aligned to this person or that person is killing our organisation. Senzo is one person you wouldn’t hear say those things,” he said.
“What I liked about Senzo is that he was able to stand for the organisation in difficult times,” he said. Premier Senzo Mchunu said Mkhize didn’t get enough time to “blossom” as the chief whip of the party in KZN.
“He was humble and always articulated his views without taking extreme positions,” he said.
ANC provincial secretary, Sihle Zikalala said: “The ANC changed when he joined the party, I can say this with authority and conviction. He stood by the values of the party in difficult times,” he said.
“Let us honour him by restoring activism. Let’s honour him by ridding the factions that beset the party. Let’s not join an individual but let’s join the ANC. Factionalism is one thing that must be defeated in the ANC,” he added.
Mkhize’s political awakening started while he was still a student at Nkosinathi High School in the 80s. He played a central role in the ANC Youth League and later joined the mother body. In 2010, he joined the ANC caucus in the KZN legislature after his redeployment from the national assembly.
In May 2014, he was deployed as ANC chief whip in the provincial KZN legislature. At the time of his death, he was pursuing his honours degree in communication science.
His eldest son, Thabiso broke down on stage while he recalled the times he had with his father, whom he described as a wise and humble person. “I will miss him,” he said, as tears streamed down his cheeks.
Mkhize leaves his wife, Nelisiwe and their five children.
The ANC postponed its election manifesto for local government elections, which was scheduled to take place today at eMalahleni region, Newcastle, “to pay respect and honour two of its fallen heroes”.
Among those present at the funeral were Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba, Deputy Minister of Health Joe Phaahla and Chief Whip in Parliament, Jackson Mthembu.
Mkhize was buried at the Heroes Acre in Chesterville alongside former journalist and Nieman fellow, Nathaniel “Nat” Nakasa and soccer star Senzo Meyiwa, former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates Captain who was shot dead last year.
The ANC is also mourning the death of Wandile Ngubeni, ANC Youth League deputy chairman at eMalahleni region in Newcastle, who was shot dead last Sunday.
Sunday Tribune