Mbhashe local municipality ward 5 councillor and former journalist Mbulelo Sisulu has died. He was 44.
Sisulu’s death in a Gqeberha hospital on Tuesday followed a short illness.
The municipality formally announced his death at a special council meeting in Dutywa on Wednesday.
The Dispatch understands a municipal delegation visited the Sisulu family in KuVonqo in Dutywa after the meeting.
Sisulu worked at Khanya Community Radio in Butterworth and for the Daily Sun for about 15 years.
At the behest of his community, he was asked to stand as an ANC ward councillor during the local government elections last year. He won with a convincing majority of 78.2%.
Mbhashe council speaker Babalwa Majavu said Sisulu “always strove to make a difference in the lives of his constituents, by ensuring that service delivery is not just a dream but a reality”.
“The council will remember him, this committed, kind, ambitious, respectful and humble individual who served without fear and prejudice and with high ethical conduct.
“His loss will negatively affect the continuous journey of community development in this democratic era,” Majavu said.
Sisulu’s aunt, Nomilisele Ndabeni, said his passing has left the family reeling.
“He was a very quiet person but focused in everything he was doing. He respected people, young and old. We were still looking up to him. The news of his death is a deep wound that will take time to heal,” said Ndabeni.
Provincial education spokesperson Mali Mtima said he was shocked to hear the news of Sisulu’s death on Tuesday.
“I worked well with him. I was introduced to him when I arrived at the department.
“He was a good man to work with. He had a fine eye for detail. He was very engaging.
“At some stage I told him the media was the wrong field for him because his stories were more solution-based than sensational.”
Mtima said he had a great time interacting with Sisulu even on matters that had nothing to do with their jobs.
“We even had our own way of calling each other. We have lost a great person in him. May his soul rest in peace.”
ANC provincial communications manager Gift Ngqondi expressed condolences to Sisulu’s family, his fellow councillors and the Mbhashe community on behalf of the party.
“We are saddened by his death. We know of the role he played regarding the development of the people of the Mbhashe area,” Ngqondi said.
Retired police communicator Jackson Manatha said he knew Sisulu from Butterworth.
“He was a down-to-earth person who approached his work with professionalism. He worked at Khanya Community Radio gathering news, and also presented a choral music show.
“He was very talented and dedicated.
“His stories were community-driven and nice to read. He will be sorely missed.”
Former NPA regional spokesperson Anelisa Ngcakani said Sisulu was a pleasure to work with. She said she was saddened by his death
“He was quite bold and not afraid to pursue the story. He was quite efficient in terms of honouring his appointments. He was timeously, professional and respectfully,” said Ngcakani.
“He was never shy of asking for clarity which would then translate into accuracy of his stories. Condolences to his family and friends,” said Ngcakani.
The council said it would announce the date of the memorial and funeral service in due course.
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