DURBAN - THE Inkatha Freedom Party(IFP) has mourned the loss of its Youth Brigade chairperson Mthokozisi Nxumalo, describing him as a brilliant and dedicated young politician, with a bright future, who was always eager to make a contribution and speak up on behalf of his constituency.
IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa confirmed in a statement on Monday that Nxumalo had died in a car crash in Nongoma on Sunday.
According to the IFP, Nxumalo was elected IFP Youth Brigade National chairperson in July 2019 and elected to serve in parliament in the same year, before being appointed as party deputy chief whip in 2021.
“Hon. Nxumalo dedicated his career to prioritising the fight for the empowerment of young people. He was passionate about the plight of all disadvantaged young people and used every platform he was given to fight for their rights. More than that, Hon. Nxumalo was a passionate young South African, dedicated, hard-working, kind and a true servant leader,” said Hlengwa.
As a Member of Parliament(MP) Nxumalo served in the Public Works and Infrastructure portfolio committee, as well as the Higher Education, Science and Technology committee.
Before that the youth brigade chairperson served on the Mineral Resources and Energy committee.
“The IFP is utterly bereft and devastated by this tragic loss. Hon. Mthokozisi Nxumalo was our youngest Member of Parliament, a passionate young leader who was loved by all in the Party and by his colleagues in Parliament. He still had a long and bright future ahead of him,” the spokesperson continued.
Nxumalo, it was pointed out, had served in the party ranks throughout his life starting from the IFP- aligned South African Democratic Student’s Movement right to the Youth Brigade and this was the reason that he would be missed by the party.
Hlengwa also appealed that Nxumalo’s family be given privacy to mourn his passing, further indicating that details of his funeral would be announced later.
THE MERCURY