KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE MOURNS THE PASSING OF HONOURABLE DR NKULULEKO NTUTHUKO GODFREY MAHLABA
04 JULY 2026
TO: ALL MEDIA
SUBJECT: KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE MOURNS THE PASSING OF HONOURABLE DR NKULULEKO NTUTHUKO GODFREY MAHLABA
The Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Honourable Nontembeko Boyce, MPL, has expressed profound sadness on the passing of the Chairperson of Committees, Honourable Dr Nkululeko Ntuthuko Godfrey Mahlaba, who passed away on Saturday, 04 July 2026.
Dr Mahlaba served as a Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature representing the African National Congress since August 2022 and was serving as Chairperson of Committees and a member of the Legislature’s Strategic Leadership Committee at the time of his passing.
Honourable Boyce described Dr Mahlaba as a dedicated public servant, respected leader, and committed servant of the people of KwaZulu-Natal whose contribution to public service spanned the health, local government and provincial government sectors.
“The passing of Honourable Dr Mahlaba is a devastating loss not only to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and the African National Congress, but to the people of KwaZulu-Natal whom he served with distinction throughout his professional and political life. We have lost a leader who brought commitment, humility, and a deep sense of service to every responsibility entrusted to him.”
Dr Mahlaba’s public service career included serving as Member of the Executive Council responsible for Human Settlements and Public Works from August 2022 to May 2023, and subsequently as MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture from May 2023 until May 2024.
Prior to his provincial responsibilities, he served as a Proportional Representative Councillor and later as Mayor of Newcastle Local Municipality between 2019 and 2021. Before entering public office, he dedicated his life to serving communities in the Amajuba District as a medical doctor.
The Speaker further noted that Dr Mahlaba’s leadership as Chairperson of Committees strengthened the oversight and accountability role of Legislature and contributed significantly to the advancement of democratic governance in the province.
“Honourable Dr Mahlaba distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our people. Dr Mahlaba remained actively engaged in advancing the work of the Legislature until the very end. In his capacity as Chairperson of Committees, he recently led a successful multi-party delegation to the Amajuba District as part of preparations for the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s flagship public participation programme, “Taking Legislature to the People”, which is scheduled to be hosted in this district in September 2026.
This important oversight and stakeholder engagement initiative reflected his commitment to bringing Legislature closer to the people and strengthening participatory democracy. His passion for public participation and his commitment to ensuring that communities have a direct voice in governance were evident throughout this process. It is particularly painful that a leader who was working so tirelessly to strengthen the bond between the Legislature and our people has been taken from us at this critical moment and will therefore not witness fruits of his hard work.”
“Honourable Dr Mahlaba will be remembered for his cool demeanor, his ability to unite people across political and institutional divides, and his visionary leadership. He approached every challenge with wisdom, humility and respect for others. His counsel, steady leadership and unwavering dedication to public service will be sorely missed by members across the political spectrum, the administration of the Legislature and the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Dr Mahlaba’s legacy would endure through the many lives he touched as a medical practitioner, community leader, public representative and servant of the people.
“While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life dedicated to service, compassion and the advancement of our democracy. His contribution to the
Legislature and the Province of KwaZulu-Natal will remain an enduring part of our institutional memory.”
On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, the Speaker extends heartfelt condolences to Dr Mahlaba’s wife, children, family, friends, colleagues, comrades in the African National Congress, and all those whose lives were touched by his service and leadership.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mahlaba family during this difficult period. May they find strength and comfort in the knowledge that Dr Mahlaba’s contribution to society and public service leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature will communicate further details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements once these have been confirmed by the Mahlaba family.
ENDS
Issued by:
Office of the Speaker
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
060 560 2905
