Ricardo Mthembu: ANC KZN spokesperson dies due to COVID-19

African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Ricardo Mthembu has died due to COVID-19-related complications on Wednesday 8 July. 

RICARDO MTHEMBU DIES DUE TO COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS

According to ANC insiders, Mthembu was admitted to hospital a few days ago. He was later transferred to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and passed away on Wednesday morning from COVID-19 related complications. 

Mthembu was formerly the mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality. He occupied the mayoral position for eight years and was later deployed to serve as a member of the provincial legislature in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Thereafter, in August 2019, Mthembu was appointed as the spokesperson for the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to SABC News, ANC KZN Deputy Chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu collapsed in an ANC office and is currently in ICU. He is suspected to have COVID-19. The ANC is yet to confirm this, however.

The party is expected to release a statement later on Wednesday. 

DA SADDENED BY DEATH OF KZN MPL

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has, on Wednesday, released a statement saying it is saddened by the tragic death of Mthembu.

“The DA extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Honourable Mthembu and to the members of his political party, the ANC,” it said.

Leader of the DA in the KZN Legislature Zwakele Mncwango said:

“Honourable Mthembu was a man who understood democracy. I had the opportunity to debate against him many times in the run-up to the 2019 elections and found an individual who was open to debating tough issues. He also recognised that while we might come from different parties with different views, it did not mean that we had to be enemies.”

“The passing of Honourable Mthembu has again highlighted the terrible reality of COVID-19. The DA urges KZN’s citizens to take all reasonable precautions to protect themselves and their families. Regulations must be followed if we are to beat this virus,” it added.

This is a developing story, updates to follow.