Thousands of mourners today paid their final farewell to journalist Tim Ncube, who died early this week in an accident involving King Goodwill Zwelithini's protection vehicle, at a funeral service held at Kwa Msane Sports Grounds.
First Lady MaNtuli Zuma, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, NFP president Zanele Magwaza-Msibi, members of the Zulu royal family and other dignitaries attended the funeral.
Prince Mbonisi, delivered a message of condolences on behalf of His Majesty, saying it was very sad that Ncube and Sergeant Bafana Mpanza died the way they did. He also pointed to a close relationship Ncube and Isilo enjoyed, with His Majesty recently appointing him to keep an eye on his behalf on development in the KwaMsane area.
Isilo honoured Ncube as a hero in his community, and gave a gift of a red ox to his family. Transport MEC, Mr Willies Mchunu also passed condolences to the family on behalf of government and said many road users, who mostly have not done anything wrong, end up dead as a result of car accidents.
KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize praised Ncube for his professionalism, dedication to his job and the love for people saying this is the reason why his death is so painful. "Tim was a voice for the voiceless, and you'd find him in far flung areas where most wouldn't go, and covered stories of development there," said Dr Mkhize.
He said Ncube had the ability to remain objective and non-bias, even when covering controversial and emotionally charged stories. Dr Mkhize there have been many media reports about the accident which claimed Ncube and Mapanza's lives that have made it difficult for the families to grieve their losses and appealed to journalists to be responsible in their coverage.
For more information, contact
Regi Khumalo
Media Liaison Desk for Dr Zweli Mkhize
Cell: 079 751 6108
E-mail: regi.khumalo@yahoo.com
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Premier's Spokesperson,
Cell: 082 375 474
E-mail: sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za
