Chronicle Editor
Ronald Mpofu in Bulilima
FORMER ZANU PF Councillor for Ward 1 in Bulilima District, Cde Tony Mlotshwa, has died.
He was 74.
Cde Mlotshwa, died on January 18, at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) in Bulawayo.
His funeral is scheduled for Sunday, 26 January, when he will be laid to rest at his homestead in Nyabane village.
Cde Mlotshwa, born on 5 May 1951, had a distinguished tenure as a councillor, serving from 2013 to 2020.
In 2020, Cde Mlotshwa’s health began to decline, prompting him to step down and hand over responsibilities to Cde Melusi Nkomo, the councillor for Ward 2, who took over to complete his term.
In 2018, Cde Mlotshwa was approached by the Nyabane community with a request to obtain permission from the Bulilima Rural District Council to set up a much-needed clinic in the area.
Through his tireless efforts and perseverance, Cde Mlotshwa’s determination finally paid off in 2019, when he successfully secured permission from the RDC, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the community’s well-being.
Together with his wife, Mrs Sithabile Mlotshwa, Cde Mlotshwa championed the clinic project, seeing it through to near completion.
The infrastructure is now fully built, with only minor finishing touches remaining before the clinic can become fully operational.
“On behalf of the Nyabane community, particularly the parents and youths, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Mlotshwa family for their tireless efforts in driving the Nyabane Clinic Project forward. We make a solemn promise to the late Cde Mlotshwa that we will continue to work diligently to bring the project to fruition, ensuring its successful completion and operation,” said Mqondisi Mlilo, a representative of the Nyabane Clinic project.
The late Cde Mlotshwa’s daughter Elice described her father as a kind, gentle soul who always put others before himself.
“He had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Dad’s compassion, empathy, and understanding inspired us to be better people. He taught us the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. Our dad’s kindness, generosity, and love have left an indelible mark on our family and community,” said Elice.
She said her father was a role model, mentor, and friend to many people and his legacy will live on through us.
“Dad’s selflessness and devotion to our family have inspired us to follow in his footsteps. I’m going to miss Dad’s warm smile, his comforting hugs, and his reassuring presence. He was our rock, our guiding light, and our best friend. We love him more than words can express, and we will carry him in our hearts forever. My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it,” said Elice.
Online Reporter