BREAKING: Former Eskom board chair Dr Ben Ngubane dies from COVID-19

Former KwaZulu-Natal Premier and Eskom chairperson Dr Ben Ngubane has succumbed to complications related to COVID-19. He was 79 years old.

Ngubane’s death was confirmed by Melomed Richards Bay Private Hospital spokesperson Randal Pedro, where he had been admitted.

“It is with regret that we confirm that this retired politician and former KZN Premier and SABC and Eskom chairperson has demised earlier this morning at around 01:40,” Pedro said.

“Our family mourns this great loss, as Dr Ngubane played a pivotal role in the transformation of the private healthcare landscape in northern KwaZulu-Natal in an advisory capacity and I will personally miss his guidance and teaching,”

Randal Pedro, Melomed Richards Bay Private Hospital spokesperson

Pedro said as Melomed, they were privileged to have had his years of loyal patronage and support, not just as a patient but also as an advisory for access to healthcare.

 “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sheila, his children and grandchildren during their time of bereavement, as we mourn this great loss together with them.”

Randal Pedro, Melomed Richards Bay Private Hospital spokesperson

Who was Dr Ben Ngubane?

Dr Ben Ngubane has served in key posts, including in cabinet as Minister of Arts & Culture, Science and Technology. In 1971, he graduated MB ChB in 1971 from the Medical School of the University of Natal, Durban.

He was also South Africa’s ambassador to Japan from 2004 until 2008. In 2006, he left the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP),  which he had joined in 1976, and became a member of the African National Congress (ANC).

In 1992, Ngubane served on the CODESA working group which dealt with constitutional principles and constitution making. While a year later, he represented the IFP in negotiations with the ANC.Ngubane has featured at the State Capture Commission, having taken the stand on several occasions, particularly giving testimony on Eskom’s affairs.