Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi Daughter, Family, Husband, Net Worth, Gugu Gumede Mother, Child, Cause of Death, Health

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Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi was a South African politician. She was the Founder and President of the National Freedom Party (NFP). She was the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of South Africa from 6 June 2014 until 25 May 2019.

She served as Branch Chairperson of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1976. She then joined the executive committee of the IFP Youth and the Women’s Brigade. In 1995, she was the only woman on the executive board of the Nongoma Transitional Local Council. The following year, she was elected Chairperson of the Emakhosini Subregion, which comprised Ulundi and Babanango.

Other positions she held include: Member of the Executive Committee of the Zululand Regional Council, Deputy Chairperson of the Zululand Regional Council in 1997, Chairperson of the Zululand Council, Executive Member of the Association of Regional Councils, Executive Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Local Government Association, Chairperson of the Association of Regional Councils and Executive Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Gender Equality Executive.

This was followed by her appointment as Deputy Chairperson of the Youth Brigade (1998 to 2003) and later she became the National Secretary of the IFP Women’s Brigade. She was also the former Mayor of Zululand District Municipality.

She held a BA degree from the University of Zululand and a Diploma in Further Education from the then University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal) and a Diploma in Local Government from the then University of Durban-Westville (now University of KwaZulu-Natal).

Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi Age

She was born on 1 February 1962. She died on 6 September 2021. She was 59 years old.

Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi Husband

She was married to Simon Hulumeni Gumede until his death in August 2007. Simon Hulumeni Gumede, a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, died in a motor vehicle accident on 29 August 2007. He was 65.

Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi Daughter

Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi was the mother of actress Gugu Gumede. Born in KwaZulu-Natal, Gumede is well known for portraying the character of a prophetess, Mamlambo, in the soapie Uzalo. Her father is the late Simon Hulumeni Gumede and her mother is Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi.

Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi Death

NFP leader Zanele Magwaza-Msibi died at Umhlanga Hospital in Durban on 6 September 2021 at the age of 59 following a cardiac arrest, according to NFP secretary general, Canaan Mdletshe.

Ahmed Munzoor Shaik-Emam, NFP parliamentary caucus leader, told TimesLIVE that Magwaza-Msibi had been ill and was admitted to a Durban hospital. He said: “She was in the ICU for some time and unfortunately she succumbed to her illness on Monday morning. The party is left grieving her loss and our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

“She was an inspirational leader, who despite suffering a massive stroke in 2014 continued with her work, despite her health challenges.” Shaik-Emam said they would liaise with the family with regard to providing the necessary support at this time.

In a statement, family spokesperson Canaan Mdletshe confirmed that Magwaza-Msibi had suffered a cardiac arrest.

“Ms Magwaza-Msibi was an exemplary leader, an activist and an advocate of our democracy. She lived her life fighting and championing the cause of the poor, vulnerable and downtrodden. She was a loved and greatly respected leader, whose passing leaves many at a loss.” He said funeral details were being confirmed.

National Freedom Party (NFP) said in a statement: “The National Freedom Party notes with sadness the untimely passing of our leader and President VZ Magwaza-Msibi who passed on today. Magwaza-Msibi is the founding member and leader of the party. Her untimely death is a great loss to the National Freedom Party and all South Africans at large.”