TULANI NGWENYA
MPUMALANGA – Recently re-elected Mayor of Emalahleni; Linah Malatjie and her husband, Essau Spetlela Malatjie, both died on the night of 2 January in a head-on car collision
Emalahleni municipality confirmed the accident, in a statement they said that, the “Death has robbed the municipality, not just of a seasoned political leader but a caring mother to all the citizens of Emalahleni.”
Malatjie served on the leadership of Cosatu, the ANC and ANC Women’s League. She also served the people of Emalahleni as the executive mayor in three administrations.
“Her commitment, dedication and hands-on approach has earned her respect in both the public and private sector,” the statement read.
“Indeed we will dearly miss a mother, a peacemaker and a selfless, ethical and visionary leader who embraced everyone irrespective of your status.”
It is reported that the couple were driving between KwaMhlanga and Emalahleni when their car collided with the Ford Ranger bakkie.
The ANC in Nkangala has said that, Malatjie’s passing leaves a huge void in the ANC and the government.
Regional Spokesperson Sello Matshoga said that, “The ANC will remember her as a committed activist who served in our structures in various capacities. She belonged to a generation of the post-apartheid activists who gave impetus to our struggle beyond the unbanning. A vociferous opponent of gender inequality and discrimination, throughout her activism Cde Linah was in the forefront of the struggle towards the advancement of women emancipation and empowerment.”
Details of the funeral are still to be communicated.
Emalahleni resident Buhle Dlamini expressed her shock on the passing on of the mayor and her husband saying, “This news is unreal because just three months ago she was re-elected into the mayoral position. The loss is just too much to think that and her husband also died.”
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