MK Party leader Jacob Zuma hails the late Canaan Mdletshe as ‘courageous’
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Durban — The leader of uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), former president Jacob Zuma, has described the late journalist-turned-politician Canaan Mdletshe, who died in a car accident last Thursday, as a “courageous and visionary” leader.
Speaking to gathered supporters in KwaXimba on Sunday ahead of the party’s upcoming first anniversary celebration at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium on December 15, Zuma urged party members not to let Mdletshe's passing diminish their resolve. “We have lost a leader who was both courageous and visionary. His passing should not dampen our morale.
Instead, he added: “We should use his passing to work harder in building this organisation. Let us honour our comrade by fighting more to unshackle our people from the chains of poverty,” he said.
Mdletshe’s death comes as the party plans to fill up the Moses Mabhida Stadium as it celebrates its 1st anniversary.
The gruesome car crash happened in Mtubatuba, north of KwaZulu-Natal.
Mdletshe is a former award-winning journalist who left journalism and joined the National Freedom Party (NFP) when it was formed by the late Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi in 2011.
Mdletshe, 47, rose through the ranks and later became the secretary general of the party until his resignation earlier this year.
In August, he joined the MKP as his new political home until his death last week. Tributes have been streaming in since his tragic passing.
Soon after joining the party, Mdletshe was appointed to the interim structure in KZN led by Willies Mchunu, who dumped the ANC and joined the MKP led by Zuma, his long-time political ally.
In a statement following his death, the MKP said: “Commander Mdletshe was no coward. He picked up his spear and fought for the downtrodden and marginalised of our people. UMkhonto weSizwe Party salutes his bravery, and may his soul rest in peace.”
The party added: “Whilst we cannot fathom the extent of the excruciating anguish of grief from this tragedy, the leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe Party wishes to convey its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of Commander Mdletshe.”
Mdletshe’s brother Mdu said the funeral details will be announced soon.
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