Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - A KwaZulu-Natal king was killed in a car accident over the weekend, the provincial government said on Sunday.
Inkosi Khayelihle Mathaba died on Saturday night when his vehicle was involved in an accident in Nkwalini near Melmoth.
"The KwaZulu-Natal government has learnt with shock of the sad news of the tragic death of Inkosi Khayelihle Mathaba in a road accident in Nkwalini,near Melmoth last night," the provincial government said in a statement.
Tributes and condolences poured in on Sunday.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu said the accident had robbed the people of eMacambini of a diligent leader.
Traditional affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube and MEC for transport Willies Mchunu both paid tribute to Mathaba and said his contributions would be missed.
The Inkatha Freedom Party also paid tribute to Mathaba. Party national chairperson Blessed Gwala said Mathaba was an outspoken leader who would be sorely missed for his in-depth knowledge of local government matters and his ability to mediate in community issues.
National Freedom Party leader Zanele kaMagwaza Msibi spoke of Mathaba as a friend and advisor who cared about his people.
Mathaba was a former member of the provincial legislature in KwaZulu-Natal and Inkosi of eMacambini traditional community.
Mchunu said details about the accident were sketchy but it is believed that it occurred around 11:30pm on Saturday but the accident was only discovered early on Sunday morning.
"While we do not have the full details of the accident at this stage, his loss is the sad reminder to all of us to commit ourselves into doing all in our powers to reduce the scourge of road accidents in our province," he said.
