Shock rippled through the traditional leadership and provincial government at the death of Nkosi Xolile Gcinibandla Ndevu, the newly elected Amathole Local House of Traditional Leaders and acting head of the Elliotdale-based Imiganu Traditional Council.
Royal family spokesperson Melinkqubo Ndabokutya said Ndevu, 60, whose royal salutation is Gcinbandla, died suddenly on Tuesday after a short illness at St Mary’s Hospital in Mthatha.
“On behalf of the traditional family, we thank the nation for its continued prayers and support in this difficult time,” he said.
As head of Imiganu, Ndevu was responsible for 18 villages across three administrative areas.
Ndabokutya said the traditional leader was committed to rural economic development and had helped set up many co-operatives in his area.
He was passionate about youth development and was involved in many sport-related initiatives.
This put him in the forefront of the fight against illegal circumcision schools and initiation of underage boys.
“I worked closely with him in many sports endeavours in our area. It was a passion of his,” Ndabokutya said.
“His loss is huge for me. But it’s also a huge loss for the family, government and the institution of traditional leadership.”
Ndevu held a number of leadership positions including in government. He served as Contralesa's eastern Cape secretary and as its national secretary general.
As an executive member of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders he chaired the committee on customs, culture and traditions.
We have lost a key leader, whose passing leaves a void in our hearts. Many have been uplifted through his work
He was a board member of the Ntinga-OR Tambo Development Agency and of Zithulele Hospital.
Cogta MEC Xolile Nqatha was shocked at Ndevu’s passing and conveyed his condolences.
The MEC said Ndevu had served his people with great humility and diligence.
“We have lost a key leader, whose passing leaves a void in our hearts. Many have been uplifted through his work.”
Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders chair Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso said: “He departs this earth taking a wealth of knowledge with him. He has been a beacon of hope within the traditional community and we are poorer without him. The Provincial House salutes him for his positive contribution.”
Cogta national portfolio chair Fikile Xasa said Ndevu had been the pillar of the National House when it came to customs and culture.
“He was a national figure and represented the province well and was the pride of every royal,” National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders chair, Nkosikazi Nosandi Mhlauli, said.
Contralesa provincial chair Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, who recruited Ndevu to the structure, described him as energetic and passionate about the institute of traditional leadership.
He was still shocked, as he had bumped into Ndevu at the funeral of AmaMpondo King Zanozuko Sigcau just last month.
“He looked as fit as a fiddle. Even last week, he was so healthy and fit,” Nonkonyana said.
He said Ndevu, a "Inkuzi engabuy’imva" (bull that never retreats) led from the front.
AmaXhosa Kingdom royal spokesperson Nkosi Ndabele Mtoto said Ndevu had been a close confidante of the late AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcau and an adviser and representative of King Zanozuko in the Provincial House for two terms.
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