Condolences continue to pour in following the death of Democratic Alliance (DA) eThekwini councillor Welekazi Sibiya.
Sibiya, who was known for her outspoken views and active presence on social media, died over the weekend following a short illness, according to the DA.
DA KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Dean Macpherson confirmed Sibiya’s death in a post on X.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of eThekwini Councillor, Welekazi Sibiya after a short illness.
“As a party and province, we are heartbroken. We pray for her partner, children and family during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace,” he posted.
Sibiya served as a DA councillor in the eThekwini Municipality and was a vocal presence in local political discussions, frequently commenting on issues affecting the city and its residents.
Her death comes as political parties prepare for the local government elections scheduled for 4 November, with eThekwini expected to be one of the key municipalities contested.
Tributes have continued to pour in on social media following the confirmation of Sibiya’s death, with members of the public, political figures and other prominent personalities remembering her.
Renowned broadcaster Redi Tlhabi took to X in a series of posts to pay tribute to Sibiya.
“We are not okay. There is a song that came to mind as soon as I read of your passing. I tried to play it last night but it sent me to the depths of sorrow. So I’ll leave it to others. Marvin Gaye’s song ‘Abraham, Martin and John’ – a tribute to Lincoln, MLK & JFK.”
Fellow DA member and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube also expressed her shock at Sibiya’s death.
“Yhooo, Welekazi- you have broken my heart. I can’t even breathe at this point. What does this even mean!? Yhooo hayi sana. Andikho right.”
Psychologist Suntosh Pillay also paid tribute to Sibiya, describing her as one of the country’s good politicians.
“There are many good politicians in SA, and she was one of them.”
Pillay said Sibiya’s social media posts allowed people to engage in debates despite their political differences.
“She was a firm supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and always advocated for these online. She was our eyes and ears inside the Durban City Hall, spilling the tea, exposing nonsense, whistleblowing, naming and shaming, without fear, and with a great dash of humour, memes, and wit.”
Another social media user, @LeratoPhoko1, described Sibiya as a kind person who had shown her support following the death of her mother.
“It’s so sad, we’ve lost a friend we never met but loved and adored. Welekazi was so kind to me when I posted about my mother’s passing last year, she was a kind soul.”
Sibiya’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who knew her personally and those who followed her work and commentary online.
