What Happened at Edward Ntshingila’s Funeral?
Edward Ntshingila, a 43‑year‑old member of parliament and former national returning officer for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), passed away on June 4 after a short illness. His funeral was held at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on a Sunday, but even before the burial a heated debate erupted over who was allowed to attend.
The Core of the Dispute
Two prominent MKP figures—Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla, a close associate of former President Jacob Zuma, and Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the party’s suspended spokesperson—were told they could not come to the memorial service or the funeral. According to Ndhlela, they received a warning that if they showed up they would be forcibly removed.
Who Gave the Order?
Ndhlela said the instruction came from the newly appointed MKP spokesperson, Sifiso Mahlangu, who asked the communications chief, Sipho Tyira, to pass the message along. Tyira, however, denied ever giving such a directive, calling the whole story “sensational” and insisting he respects the family’s grief.
Family Split
The disagreement seems to stem from a split inside Ntshingila’s own family. His maternal relatives, who use the surname Kubheka, publicly supported Zuma‑Sambudla and Ndhlela’s presence. Pule Kubheka, a cousin and spokesman for that side of the family, released a statement saying the pair had stood by the family during their darkest hours and should not be barred from saying goodbye.
Allegations and Denials
Two specific accusations were floated:
- Zuma‑Sambudla was accused of interfering with Ntshingila’s personal belongings and bank cards.
- Ndhlela was accused of spreading rumors that Ntshingila’s illness was caused by poisoning.
No evidence has been presented for either claim. Ndhlela firmly denied spreading any poison rumors, saying he never met Ntshingila’s parents, wife, or sisters, so he could not have made such statements.
What Actually Happened?
Despite the warnings, both Zuma‑Sambudla and Ndhlela attended the memorial service at Johannesburg City Hall. Ndhlela described the experience as saddening, noting that the situation felt like political scores being settled rather than a genuine mourning process. He invoked the idea of Ubuntu—human kindness toward others—as missing from the episode.
Family’s Response
Pule Kubheka later said the matter had been resolved and that the couple had been present at the service. He asked that the issue not be escalated further, while also criticizing politicians who try to turn family disagreements into political tools.
Why This Matters
The controversy highlights deeper tensions:
- Within the MKP: Factions are clashing over loyalty and influence, especially surrounding figures linked to the Zuma family.
- Within Ntshingila’s family: Different branches have contrasting views on who should be involved in mourning rituals.
- Public perception: When funerals become stages for political battles, it can erode trust in both the party and the mourning process.
Looking Forward
For now, the immediate dispute appears calm, with both sides agreeing to let the family grieve in peace. However, the incident serves as a reminder that personal loss can quickly become entangled with party politics. Moving forward, the MKP and the families involved may need clearer guidelines on how to handle such sensitive moments, ensuring that respect for the deceased and their loved ones comes first.
Take‑away for Teens
Even though this story involves politicians and party drama, the core lesson is simple: when someone we care about passes away, the focus should be on honoring their life and supporting those left behind—not on scoring points or settling scores. Keeping empathy at the forefront helps prevent grief from turning into a battlefield.
