Tribute to a rare leader

STAFF REPORTER AND SAPA

TWO men have appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of former ANC MP David Dlali, Eastern Cape police said yesterday.

Simthembile Jakalase, 22, and Matselandile Mehlomakhulu, 20, both worked for Dlali on his farm in Matatiele, Brigadier Miranda Mills said. Jakalase was the farm manager while Mehlomakhulu worked as a shepherd.

The two appeared in court on Wednesday after their arrest on Tuesday. The case was transferred to the Matatiele Magistrate’s Court, where they were to appear today.

Mills said police recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 11 rounds of ammunition, as well as R5 000. Dlali’s body was found near the farm on Monday. The motive for his murder was still under investigation.

Dlali was remembered by Women, Children and People with Disabilities Minister Lulu Xingwana at his funeral yesterday. “He clearly understood the aspirations of the people of South Africa and the nature of sacrifices necessary to achieve the goal of liberation.”

She paid tribute to Dlali’s role as “one of the architects of our new democracy”.

Dlali was one of the “unsung heroes” of the liberation struggle who embodied “patriotism, dedication and selfless service”, Xingwana said.

Born on January 23, 1960, in Mount Frere, Dlali served in various Western Cape provincial structures. He was a member of the provincial executive committee and chairman of the Dullah Omar region. He served as an MP representing Gugulethu between 2001 and 2009, before becoming Xingwana’s special adviser.

Dlali was also a former underground operative of the ANC armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe. His memorial service will be held today at the Methodist Church in Pretoria.

As an ANC MP in the National Assembly, Dlali participated in various portfolio committees such as provincial and local government, minerals and energy and defence. He also served as ANC leader in Western Cape.

Early in the week Xingwana said that Dlali “leaves a large void which will not be easy to fill. Our nation and the entire democratic movement have lost a selfless and loyal servant”.