Durban - Former Msunduzi Municipality Speaker Jabu Ngubo says the municipality had lost a major asset in Blessing Dlamini, the senior official who died of a suspected heart attack on Monday.
Dlamini reportedly collapsed in his office on Monday afternoon while preparing to go to a bank, just metres away from where former President Jacob Zuma had been addressing a crowd of supporters after the adjournment of his case against Advocate Billy Downer and journalist Karyn Maughan.
Ngubo worked closely with Dlamini during her term as Council Speaker from 2015 to 2021, and says the official had unique features about him.
“I will remember him as a humble individual who always sought to assist anyone who came to city hall. He was a friendly person who worked well with his colleagues,” said Ngubo.
Dlamini also worked with former Chief Whip Truma Magubane, and current Speaker Eunice Majola.
Ngubo indicated that a municipal delegation was set to visit the Dlamini family this week, but details of the visit had not yet been finalised.
Many people started suspecting that something was wrong when they noticed a mortuary vehicle and a police van parked outside city hall late in the afternoon.
When news of his death broke, many took to social media to express their shock. “Oh my goodness! I have just realised that I know the man,” said a woman on social media. Others who also took to social media said Dlamini’s warmth and willingness to help would always be missed.