Canaan Mdletshe, who was a leader for the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in KwaZulu-Natal, has died following a car accident.
The fatal collision occurred on Thursday, December 5, on the road between Mtubatuba and Hlabisa in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, where Mdletshe’s vehicle reportedly collided with a truck.
Mdletshe had been returning from overseeing by-elections in Mtubatuba at the time of the accident.
His death has sent shockwaves through the political community, particularly within the MKP, which he joined in August after resigning as secretary-general of the National Freedom Party (NFP).
Mdletshe’s departure from the NFP came during a significant political shift in KwaZulu-Natal, following the African National Congress' (ANC) loss of power in the province.
The MKP secured approximately 45% of the votes, becoming a formidable force in local politics. Mdletshe cited dissatisfaction with the NFP’s decision to form a coalition government with the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a key reason for his resignation.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Mdletshe voiced his disapproval, stating, “The voters rejected the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal on May 29. I can’t even talk about the DA because it’s a political party that does not care about black people in this country.
''Therefore, the decision of the NFP to form a coalition government with the two parties, and particularly the ANC, because KwaZulu-Natal is in a state of disarray because of the failures of the ANC.”
Describing his decision to leave the NFP, a party he had been part of since its founding in 2011, Mdletshe called it the most challenging political decision of his career.
The MKP has expressed sorrow over Mdletshe’s death, lauding his dedication to the cause of fighting imperialism and neo-colonialism.
MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela paid tribute to Mdletshe, saying, “Umkhonto wagwala ufela etsheni. Mdletshe was no coward. He picked up this spear and fought for the downtrodden and marginalised of our people. MKP salutes his bravery, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Ndhlela also reassured Mdletshe’s family of the party’s unwavering support during this difficult time.
“While we cannot fathom the extent of the excruciating anguish of grief from this tragedy, the leadership of MKP wishes to convey deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of Mdletshe. We would like to reassure the family that MKP is committed to supporting them in this time,” Ndhlela said in a statement.
Mdletshe was a member of the MKP’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial detachment under the leadership of Willies Mchunu. His transition to the MKP was described as a continuation of his revolutionary mission to fight for the emancipation of marginalised communities.
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