The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has learnt with sadness and sorrow the passing of Dr Mandla Mhlauli Duma , former MK combatant and District Surgeon at Department of Health attached to Sarah Baartman District .
Dr Duma ceased to breathe after a short illness in Port Alfred where he stayed with his family on Tuesday 15th August 2023 .
Whilst his family hails originally from kwaNdlambe in Ngqushwa, he grew up in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) and integrated with political work of the ANC at a tender age. He studied at the University of Natal with the likes of Dr Sibongiseni Dlomo and Dr Zweli Mkhize and has executed direct combat work ahead of him going into exile in 1985 with Khabazela .
He crossed over in the company of the late Cde Steve Tshwete and Cde Charles Nqakula and joined the people’s army, UMkhonto Wesizwe. Dr Mandla Duma spent most of his time in exile Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Whilst in Zambia , Cde President Oliver Reginald Tambo and Dr Ruth Mompati were some of his patients. He came back to the country after the unbanning of political organizations to start his private practice.
With the advent of democracy (democracy) in 1994, Dr. Mandla Duma worked with both National Ministers of Health Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini -Zuma and Dr. Manto Tshabalala- Msimang .He has worked with various comrades in the medical field serving the national and provincial governments with bigger sense of commitment and dedication to the success of the democratic project.
He was one of the sharpest medical minds in our country. The passing of Dr Duma is a monumental loss for the nation and the progressive movement as a whole. He was a dedicated, committed, energetic and highly capable servant of the people.Dr Duma has served this country exceptionally well as a cadre of the ANC.
We the citizens of the Eastern Cape Province, have lost a valuable asset, a medic, intellectual giant, gallant fighter, a man of people. We pride ourselves in his soft-spokenness, simplicity and humility.
No amount of words or speech could describe a sense of loss that has befallen the people of the Eastern Cape and South Africa in general. We have lost a dedicated cadre – someone who was always ready to roll up his sleeves and work in the interest of the people of South Africa.
We send our condolences to his family, relatives , colleagues in the medical fratenity and friends.
Hamba kahle Mkhonto!!
END…..
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS-EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Enquiries :
Cde Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
Mobile No:0849519924/0848439706
