Durban: KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sihle Zikalala says the institution of traditional leadership has lost a fountain of wisdom with the passing of Ibambabukhosi Dr Dumisani Blasius Khumalo of the Osuthu Traditional Council.
Khumalo, 76, was murdered last Saturday by gunmen.
On Friday, Zikalala joined hundreds of mourners in paying tribute to Dr Khumalo at a funeral ceremony that was held at KwaGqikazi TVET College in Nongoma, northern KZN.
Zikalala said: “He truly left an indelible mark on the lives of the people he came across in his private life and in the various roles that he served, including that of Iso LeSilo and Ibambabukhosi in the Osuthu Traditional Community, a role that he was appointed into by the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
“We mourn with you your Majesty, King Misuluzulu kaZwelithini as you have lost a diligent steward who stood by his principles of humility and servanthood until he took his last breath,” said Zikalala.
He called upon all law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their quest to apprehend the criminals responsible for the murder.
Zikalala said speaker after speaker hailed Khumalo, a former teacher, for his passion for education and for being at the forefront of programmes aimed at empowering young people.
Khumalo, served in various roles in the KZN Department of Education until his retirement, with the highest role being that of Chief Education Specialist for Ordinary School Education Head for KZN.