KwaDukuza municipality deputy mayor Thulani Ntuli has died. Ntuli collapsed outside the municipal offices at Chief Albert Luthuli Street in KwaDukuza earlier today. Reports suggest that Ntuli (49) was headed towards a bank across the municipal offices when he collapsed. He was rushed to KwaDukuza Hospital where he was declared dead. The cause of his death is not yet known.

PASSING AFTER MUNICIPAL EVENT 

According to the ANC in the province, Ntuli passed away shortly after the sod turning ceremony marking the building of a bridge in Ward 5. "The sod turning ceremony formed part of a programme on the rollout of socio-economic infrastructure ?" something which he was passionate about," spokesperson Mafika Mndebele said. 

ANC SADDENED 

 In a statement, the ANC in the KwaZuluNatal said it was saddened by Ntuli's passing. " It's a matter of great pain that the movement has lost such a humble servant of the people whose commitment towards the organization remained firm until his last days. On behalf of the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal, we would like to convey our sincere and deepest condolences to his family following such a profound loss," the statement read. "The ANC in the region has indeed lost one of the finest sons who sacrificed everything to liberate our country. We have also lost a valuable agent for change whose indelible contribution towards the deepening of our democracy will remain in our hearts until all our people are economically liberated,". 

?PASSION FOR SERVICE DELIVERY  

 Ntuli was described as a reliable servant of the people who was open to members of the public calling him at any given when they needed help on service delivery issues. Ntuli who had been a PR councillor for the ANC at the municipality for years was appointed  deputy mayor after the November 2021 elections. He also served as the treasurer for the ANC's General Gizenga Mpanza African region.  He was elected to the position in five consecutive conferences. At the municipality, he was tasked with leading the infrastructure portfolio committee, as well as the escalation of basic service delivery in the municipality. "We will always remember comrade Ntuli for his selflessness, compassion and dedication to the liberation of our people,' the ANC said. Ntuli is survived by his wife and children.