By Levy Masiteng
Tributes have poured in for eThekwini DA councillor Welekazi Sibiya, with political colleagues and the municipality remembering her as an outspoken public representative who was willing to challenge the city over service delivery and accountability.
Sibiya, who died after a short illness, had become a prominent figure in the DA in KwaZulu-Natal and earlier this year challenged Dean Macpherson for the party’s provincial chairperson position.
She was well known as an advocate for clean governance and used her social media accounts prolifically to this effect.
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The eThekwini Municipality joined the tributes on Monday.
“Councillor Sibiya took her duties seriously and used the platforms available to her to advance the interests of residents. Her passing is felt across Council, and her contribution to the work of this institution is acknowledged,” eThekwini Speaker Thabani Nyawose said.
The municipality said Sibiya served residents through her participation in council processes, where she raised matters affecting her constituency and engaged on governance, accountability and service-delivery issues.
Her death was announced by the DA in the province on Sunday.
“It is with great sadness that the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal mourns the passing of Cllr. Welekazi Sibiya,” DA KZN provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema said.
“Welekazi was a dedicated young leader who cared deeply about the communities she served. As a DA Councillor in the eThekwini Metro, she was never afraid to speak up for residents, raise difficult issues and push for better governance, accountability and service delivery.”
Sibiya had built a public record around service-delivery issues in the metro.
In July 2024, she called on then newly elected eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba to broaden his inquiry into water shortages and service-delivery problems across the municipality.
Macpherson said the party and province were “heartbroken” by her death and extended his prayers to Sibiya’s partner, children and family.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of eThekwini Councillor, Welekazi Sibiya after a short illness,” Macpherson said.
“We pray for her partner, children and family during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace.”
Other tributes focused on Sibiya’s willingness to engage with people and her strong political convictions.
Fellow DA member Sibs Gwiliza described her as someone who could be engaged “respectfully and robustly”, adding that she “believed in her party so much”.
The DA said Sibiya’s contribution extended beyond her work inside the council chamber.
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“She was passionate about public service and committed to making a difference in the lives of the people she represented,” Ngema said.
“Her passing is a tremendous loss to the DA, to eThekwini and to KZN. We have lost a colleague, a public representative and, above all, a leader who still had so much to give,” Ngema said.
The DA said Sibiya would be remembered for her courage, commitment and willingness to stand up for the communities she represented.
“At this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones,” Ngema said.
“We hope they find strength and comfort in knowing how many lives Welekazi touched through her work and service.”
The circumstances surrounding Sibiya’s illness have not been publicly disclosed, and no specific cause of death has been announced by the DA or eThekwini Municipality.
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