Mbhekiseni “Bhejane” Biyela, the mayor of Nkandla Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, has died at the age of 56.
Biyela, a prominent figure in the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), passed away on Sunday, December 15, after reportedly battling health issues.
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Nkandla Mayor Mbhekiseni “Bhejane” Biyela Dies at 56
The IFP’s president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, confirmed the news during the IFP Youth Brigade summit at Durban’s ICC on Monday. Addressing the attendees, Hlabisa expressed the party’s profound grief over the loss of one of its key leaders.
“We had a very unfortunate situation last night as we lost one of our comrades, Mbhekiseni Bernard Biyela, known to many as uBhejane, the mayor of Nkandla Municipality,” said Hlabisa. “Let us rise for a moment of silence to honour his memory.”
Biyela led the IFP-run municipality that houses former President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla homestead, making him a significant political figure in the region. He was known for his dedication to the IFP’s vision and his active participation in local governance.
Hlabisa extended his condolences to Biyela’s family, thanking them for sharing the late mayor with the Nkandla community and the IFP.
“We will remember comrade Mbhekiseni as one of the IFP activists who never missed any by-election wherever it is held,” Hlabisa said.
The IFP leader also acknowledged Biyela’s critical role in promoting the party’s agenda and serving as the face of the Nkandla Municipality.
“We convey condolences to the municipality of Nkandla for losing the person who was the face of the municipality, leading the IFP agenda,” he said.
Biyela’s death has sent shockwaves through the Nkandla community and the IFP structures.
Reactions To The Death
People online shared condolence messages.
People online reacted with different sentiments to the death of Nkandla mayor, Mbhekiseni Biyela.
Stimela:
“Ntuli is paving his way in because the MKP is coming.”
Buphi:
“He delivered when it’s comes to infrastructure projects. I’m a witness. May his soul rest in peace.”
Nguni:
“Basebenzile eNkandla. Umndeni usingatheke.”
LG:
“May ur soul rest in peace 
Mr comrade I will always in our heart.”
Philani:
“Phumula ngoxolo Menziwa noma kungakemukeleki namanje kodwa ke icebo lakhe singeliphikise.”
Solomon:
“Uzuma akasena mayor. Bonke bantu baseNkandla siyabakhalisa.”
Bogani:
“Aphumule uMenziwa bakithi besilokhu sinethemba lokuthi kuzodlula ukugula.”