After being involved in a car accident in KwaZulu-Natal on Boxing Day, MP and ANC member Alice Mthembu passed away.
The presiding officers of Parliament declared her death on Wednesday, expressing their profound sadness at her untimely departure.
“We share in the family’s sorrow during this painful period and pay tribute to the memory of an exceptional public servant. As families gather to celebrate the joyous Christmas season, the loss of precious lives on our roads casts a dark shadow, causing unimaginable pain and grief for countless families. Ms Mthembu’s untimely passing serves as a tragic reminder of the alarming levels of accidents that continue to plague our roads, affecting many families.”
Mthembu, 64, joined the National Assembly in 2019 and has since served in a number of legislative committees, including the joint standing committee on defense, communications and digital technologies, and veterans of the armed forces.
“The presiding officers mourn the passing of a dedicated and tireless public representative who served her constituency in KwaZulu-Natal and the people of South Africa with unwavering commitment and dedication,” said parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo.
He said the late MP was dedicated to advocating for gender equality both inside and outside parliament and relentlessly campaigned for gender perspectives in policy and lawmaking processes.
“She wholeheartedly devoted herself to the advancement of women’s rights and the empowerment of marginalised groups, leaving an enduring impact on the quest for a fairer society.”
