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Dr. Frank Mdlalose (right) is pictured with Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
KwaZulu-Natal Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala has described the death of Dr. Frank Themba Mdlalose as an “immense loss”.
Mdlalose, the province’s first democratically elected prime minister, was due to celebrate his 90th birthday this year.
“Dr. Mdlalose is among the rare breed of public servants, who sacrificed their potentially lucrative careers as full-time physicians to dedicate their lives in service to our nation,” said Zikalala.
In doing so, he entered a world of uncertainty and one that was marked by twists and turns.
“While conditions can threaten to overwhelm, they also define leaders who adapt to the times, as was Dr. Mdlalose for the transition from apartheid to democracy.
“The period from the late 1980s to the 1990s was one of the most painful in the life of KwaZulu-Natal, witnessing some of the most violent clashes between the ANC and the IFP.
“Thousands died on both sides in a war that was later described as powered by a supposed third hand.
“This period required the calm and visionary leadership of leaders on both sides, like Nelson Mandela, and the strategic intervention of people like Dr. Mdlalose at KZN.
“Following the removal of the ANC ban in 1990, Dr. Mdlalose worked tirelessly with ANC leaders in efforts to stop violence between ANC supporters and Inkatha.
“He also served as a member of the National Peace Committee, a multi-party body that sought to cement peace in the country and especially in the KZN.
“In 1991, Dr. Mdlalose, along with then-Southern Natal ANC President Jacob Zuma, led the first peace efforts between their two parties when they established the Peace and Reconstruction Foundation.
“This laid the foundation stone for the peace that prevails to this day between the ANC and the IFP.
“Dr. Mdlalose was a leader with his eyes fixed on the masses of our people and extending beyond the party line.
“He fervently believed that peace was a necessary condition not only for the success of the national and provincial elections, but also for the socioeconomic development of the population of the province.”
Mdlalose also played a prominent role, as leader and negotiator, during the Codesa negotiations at Kempton Park.
After the democratic elections, he was elected Prime Minister.
In 1996, Mdlalose was appointed by President Nelson Mandela to become South African Ambassador to Egypt.
Born in Nquthu, North KwaZulu-Natal, on November 29, 1931, Mdlalose studied at Fort Hare University, earning a BA in 1952 and a college education diploma in 1953.
In his early years, Mdlalose was a member of the ANC Youth League, before becoming one of the founding members of the IFP in 1975, along with IFP President Dr. Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Zikalala said that the KZN government mourned the passing of a “giant leader”, adding that he, on behalf of the KZN government and people, wanted to convey everyone’s deepest condolences to the Mdlalose family.
“We wish to express the gratitude of the people of KwaZulu-Natal for the lifelong service provided by Dr. Mdlalose as a community physician and as a dedicated but humble servant to the people of our province,” he added.
“KwaZulu-Natal owes immensely to Dr. Mdlalose for his immeasurable contribution to peace and prosperity in the province and for his role as the country’s ambassador abroad.
“From his life, we will draw many lessons, such as true servant leadership, self-sacrifice, patience, and endless humility in dealing with people.”
DA KZN leader Francois Rodgers sent his condolences to Dr. Mdlalose’s family.
“The prosecutor enjoyed a good working relationship with Mdlalose, during his time as prime minister, because he strove to include all parties in the post-apartheid dispensation. He included the prosecutor in his provincial cabinet under the chairmanship of education president. . Dr. Mdlalose served the province … well during his tenure and his passing is a great loss. We send our deepest condolences to his party, the IFP and his family, Ulale ngokuthula Nyanda wephahla. The prosecutor also wishes to wish a speedy recovery to Mama Mdlalose who is reported to be in the hospital, “said Rodgers.
