IFP honours veteran Msunduzi councillor Ntombela
Ntombela, who died in hospital last week after a long illness, began his political career as a ward councillor in 2006
The IFP honoured late Msunduzi councillor Thinasonke “Mathiphane” Ntombela as a principled, humble and courageous leader whose two decades in public service were dedicated to his community.
Speaking at Ntombela’s funeral at KwaMncane Sports Ground in Elandskop, Pietermaritzburg, on Saturday, party president Velenkosini Hlabisa said the veteran politician’s death was a significant loss not only to the party, but also to the people of KwaMpumuza, the Msunduzi Municipality, and the broader local government sector.
Ntombela, who died in hospital last week after a long illness, began his political career as a ward councillor in 2006 before serving as a proportional representation councillor between 2011 and 2016.
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He later served two terms on the Msunduzi Municipality’s Executive Committee (Exco), where he was recognised for his measured leadership and commitment to local government.
Hlabisa said Ntombela had dedicated more than 20 years to public service, building a reputation as a leader who consistently placed the interests of ordinary residents ahead of personal gain.
“Councillor Ntombela understood that leadership is about making a difference in the lives of ordinary people and ensuring that communities remain at the centre of everything we do,” he said.
Beyond municipal politics, Ntombela held several influential leadership positions within the IFP.
He served on the party’s National Council, chaired the IFP in the uMgungundlovu District, and was also an iNduna under Inkosi Khethokuhle Zondi in the KwaMpumuza Traditional Community.
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Hlabisa said Ntombela had believed politics should unite rather than divide communities and was known for resolving disputes through dialogue, fairness and mutual respect.
He also praised Ntombela’s resilience, recalling that he had survived several attempts on his life but had remained committed to serving the people of Msunduzi despite the threats.
“His courage showed that the work of serving people was always greater than his personal fears,” Hlabisa said.
He extended the party’s condolences to the Ntombela family, colleagues, and residents of KwaMpumuza, saying Ntombela would be remembered as a leader who championed justice, peace, and community development throughout his political career.
