African National Congress member of parliament Bheki Mkhize, who was shot dead at his home in Mhlabatini, near Ulundi, on Sunday morning, was a "gallant hero of transformation", the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) said.
Nehawu national spokesperson Molontao Molaba said Mhkize was a founding member of the union and also its president from 1987 until 1990.
He expressed hope that Mhkize's killer would be brought to book.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Inspector Sabelo Zwane said earlier that Mkhize was allegedly shot dead while South African Police Service members were searching his home for firearms just after 6am on Sunday.
Police had searched several other homes in the area for firearms. - Sapa