12 August 2003
The ANC/SACP/COSATU/SANCO Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal has received with shock and sadness the tragic death of SACP Provincial Secretary in a car crash today.
Comrade (Cde) Smiso Nkwanyana, aged 31, died instantly when his car veered off the road and crashed on a street light pole along Umngeni Road in eThekwini (Durban) just before five o'clock this morning. Cde Smiso was from an all-night meeting which was dealing with preparations for a SAMWU Provincial Congress scheduled to begin today.
The ANC-led Alliance has lost one of its most dedicated cadres who served the SACP and the ANC selflessly. Cde Smiso has recently been appointed by the ANC to be the Provincial Deputy Elections Co-ordinator in preparation for the coming 2004 general elections. He became politically active since his student days and grew up within the ranks of the SACP until he was unanimously elected to be the Party's chief executive officer (Provincial Secretary) in KwaZulu-Natal in 2001.
The ANC-led Alliance has been robbed of a true revolutionary, a true communist, a true cadre that has devoted his short life in fighting for the course of the workers and the poor. The Alliance therefore deeps its revolutionary banner in honour of this young servant of the people. May his spirit propel us to fight harder in our united action to push back the frontiers of poverty. Cde Smiso is survived by his wife Gcina and two children [boy (4yrs) and girl (2 months)]
We convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Comrade Gcina, children and the entire Nkwanyana family. Sithi Lala Kahle Zikode.
Issued jointly by ANC/SACP/COSATU/SANCO Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal.
Contacts:
Mtholephi Mthimkhulu (ANC) 082 702 9729
Willis Mchunu (SACP) 082 9045112
Sdumo Dlamini (COSATU) 082 377 9049
Arthur Dlodlo (SANCO) 082 344 0656