The IFP has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, community and the whole institution of traditional leadership in the province following the passing of Inkosi Simakade Mchunu of Msinga.

“Inkosi Mchunu was an inimitable leader who played a pivotal role in bringing about peace and stability in the province and in particular the area of Msinga which had become notorious for faction fighting. Inkosi Mchunu was one of the longest serving and among the most senior traditional leaders in the province. He was the long serving member of the erstwhile KwaZulu Government under Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as the Chief Minister of KwaZulu. He made a tremendous contribution in terms of service delivery including a programme called Rand for Rand where the government contribute a rand and the Amakhosi also contribute a rand in building schools,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL.

“Inkosi Mchunu was a loyal, committed and senior member of the institution of traditional leadership in KwaZulu-Natal. He was passionately involved in all aspects of community development and he must also be credited with bringing and maintaining peace in Msinga at a time when the successive apartheid governments sowed discord among the Zulu people,” continued Mr Gwala.

“He will be sorely missed for his in-depth knowledge of local government matters and his ability to mediate in community issues. He was a humble person and he had a deep sense of humour,” concluded Mr Gwala.