Tributes for former Ngwelezana mayor
Former Ngwelezane Mayor and Empangeni/Ngwelezane TLC Depury mayor Alois Kunene died from asthma on Monday morning
MESSAGES of condolences are pouring in from all walks of life following the passing of IFP veteran, former Ngwelezana Mayor and Empangeni/Ngwelezane Transitional Local Council (TLC) Deputy Mayor, Alois Mbongeni Kunene.
Kunene (69) died at his home in Ngwelezana on Monday morning, after battling with asthma for many years, leading to repeated hospitalisation.
Affectionately known as ‘Mtimande’, Kunene hails from the rural heart of KwaKhoza in Matigulu.
A qualified librarian, he also served as a liaison officer for Traditional Local Governance and also worked at Ngwelezana Magistrate’s Court.
He was revered as an erudite politician and an IFP member, later becoming councillor and mayor of Ngwelezana.
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His neighbour and former IFP Women’s Brigade National Chairperson, Abbie Mchunu described Kunene as a sharp witted politician who dedicated his life to working for the people of Ngwelezana and eMpangeni as a whole.
‘He was a wonderful man who worked tirelessly for the development of his community. Nothing was more important to him than serving the community, and we are saddened by his passing and we will miss his humbleness,’ said Mchunu.
Former mayor of the City of uMhlathuze, Zakhele Mnqayi who worked with Kunene as an ANC councillor in Ngwelezana, said Kunene exemplified the principle of Batho Pele (people first).
‘I worked and him and had so much respect for the man he was. It never bothered him that we came from different political parties; his priority was to work for people.
‘I used to drive him before I even became a councillor and we became friends. We worked together fighting crime in Ngwelezana,’ said Mnqayi.
Kunene is survived by his wife, three children and six grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday and the funeral service will be held at St Luanga Catholic Church in Ngwelezana at 9am.
For more information contact Silindile Kunene on 078 6642565 or Mondli Sibiya on 082 6983047.
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