Premier Sihle Zikalala expresses shock and sadness at the passing of struggle stalwart and former MEC Dr Meshack Radebe
Premier of KwaZulu Natal Sihle Zikalala has expressed deep shock and sadness at the news of the passing of struggle stalwart, Deputy Speaker of the KZN Legislature and former MEC Dr Meshack Radebe.
Dr Meshack Hadebe passed away after a short illness.
Premier Sihle Zikalala on behalf of the provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal, extend heartfelt condolences to the Hadebe family, Comrades, friends and relatives on the passing of Dr Meshack Hadebe.
This has been one of the saddest and most painful weeks in the life of the province, as we mourn the passing of one of the greatest sons of our province.
Dr Meshack Radebe served as a Member of the Legislature, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development and also MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs.
An activist community based leader, during his time, as MEC Dr Radebe earned himself the nickname of “Umkhumbi wokunethezeka” because of his dedication to the delivery of services especially to the poor, and other vulnerable groups.
“Dr Radebe’s decorated legacy is that of leading peace initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal. He distinguished himself in bringing peace between the warring factions of the ANC and IFP in Mpumalanga Township, near Hammarsdale where he also lived. For this work he, together with his late IFP counterpart Sipho Mlaba, were recognized by the University of Natal and were both awarded honorary doctorates. Dr Radebe was honoured locally and internationally for his work both in peacemaking initiatives and also for his lifetime of service to the people of KwaZulu Natal and by extension the rest of the country.
In 1993 the community of Mpumalanga was awarded ACCORD’s first Africa Peace Award (APA), which they received in recognition for ending the violence in their community. This was received on behalf of the community by Dr Radebe and the IFP’s late Sipho Mlaba who were instrumental in the peace negotiations that ended the violence.
“Dr Meshack Hadebe, turned the township of Mpumalanga to be a model for peace internationally. His preaching of peace together with the late Sipho Mlaba remains a monument and a lasting legacy that many generations will cherish. His name belong to the hall of fame where the history of heroes and heroines like him who sacrificed and tirelessly worked to build a better KwaZulu-Natal will be displayed”.
“We have lost a peacemaker par excellence and a great servant of the people. We have lost a person who believed in reconciliation. We have lost a person who believed in service delivery. What set Dr Radebe apart from many who also believe in these attributes is that Dr Radebe also actively worked in pursuing peace and stability, actively worked hard in pursuing reconciliation and dedicating his life to service delivery.
“We lower our hats to the undying spirit of Dr Meshack Radebe for his role in the struggle for our liberation and for serving in the frontline against poverty, inequality and unemployment and for his selfless commitment to the creation of a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and equal South Africa”.
We say farewell Bhungane! Farewell Makhululukhulu! Your work is now done. We will always remember you for the gift of peace and changing the lives of the people of KwaZulu Natal”.
“May the Soul of Dr Meshack Radebe Rest in Perfect Peace!
