There was no woman like her – Uzalo actress Gugu Gumede’s touching goodbye to her mom

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has used his tribute to the late National Freedom Party leader Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi to encourage South Africans to participate in the upcoming local government elections.

Zikalala was among the dignitaries at the funeral of the late politician.

“We do not talk of women emancipation as an act of charity. It is a basic necessity for the revolution to triumph. Even though her political career propelled kaMagwaza-Msibi high in the sky, she remained humble and in touch with people on the ground,” he said.

KaMagwaza-Msibi passed away earlier this week at the age of 59, after suffering cardiac arrest.

Respected by many in all political spheres, the former mayor of Zululand District Municipality founded the NFP as a breakaway from the Inkatha Freedom Party in 2011.

Eulogy at the Special Provincial Official Funeral of Mrs Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi delivered by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Mr Sihle Zikalala @sziks pic.twitter.com/HHj5W8gthO

— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) September 11, 2021

Message on behalf of children by Gugu Gumede first born child of Mrs Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi pic.twitter.com/k33RvPn36y

— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) September 11, 2021

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Mr Sihle Zikalala @sziks hand over national flag to the children of Mrs Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi pic.twitter.com/SHVNR01Eqi

— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) September 11, 2021

Zikalala said South Africans should honour her legacy of fierce leadership by heading to the polls on 1 November.

Meanwhile, kaMagwaza-Msibi’s daughter, Gugu Gumede said her mother’s name will feature prominently in the history books of strong female leaders in South Africa.

“Today, her work speaks for itself. My mother is the strongest woman, and one of the strongest politicians in South Africa. Today, we thank the premier ukuthi ukwazile [that he was able] to bestow the honour of a state funeral and she is well-deserving of it. Akekho umuntu wesfazane obenjengaye [there was no woman like her].

KaMagwaza-Msibi’s husband Mandla Msibi also paid tribute to her during today’s funeral service.

Msibi said his wife was not only committed to leading her party but also dedicated her life to working for her community.

“She provided services for needy children, the elderly, and widowed women. She was an amazing wife,” he said.

Message from Mr Mandla Msibi, the husband of the late NFP founder and president Mrs Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi pic.twitter.com/MAuBIcxCvt

— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) September 11, 2021