THE late mum of Uzalo star Gugu Gumede, Zanele Magwaza-Msibi, was remembered in style by her political party.
Magwaza-Msibi, who was popular as VZ, founded National Freedom Party (NFP) in 2011 and later she was appointed as deputy minister of science, technology and innovation before she passed away in 2021.
On Saturday, 14 February her party commemorated her life and legacy at Maqhinga Hall in her hometown of Ulundi, KZN.
Although her daughter Gugu, who plays MaMlambo on Uzalo was supposed to be part of the commemoration, the event was attended by NFP leadership including deputy president Ndida Sokhela and KZN suspended provincial chairwoman Mbali Shinga.
NFP is currently a kingmaker in KZN Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) which comprises the IFP, ANC, DA and NFP, holding a narrow 41-seat majority in the 80-seat chamber with the MK Party having 37 seats and the EFF having two seats.
NFP recently failed to withdraw its participation in the KZN GPU after its only member of KZN legislature Mbali Shinga defied the party's instruction to vote with MK party-sponsored motion of no confidence against KZN Thami Ntuli on 15 December.
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After that a "defiance" Shinga, who is also KZN Social Development MEC, was suspended by the party and ordered to resign as the MEC, but she also defied.
Magwaza-Msibi party is currently a party that everyone needs to lead KZN province wants to negotiate with it for KZN possible GPU restructuring.
The notable moment was when Shinga was about to deliver her speech during Magwaza-Msibi's commemoration.
She started by singing the Zulu song "Angilazi Icala Lami. Ngabe ngiyalivuma", loosely translated "I don't know my sin; I would have accepted it if I knew it".
She praised late NFP founder and former president Magwaza-Msibi for good leadership.
"As we gather here to remember Njinji (Magwaza-Msibi) and reflect on our responsibilities as the leadership-renewing the people's home -we humble ourselves before our late president, Magwaza-Msibi. We acknowledge that her leadership continues to guide us, even in difficult times, and gives us hope in all that we do," she said.
Magwaza-Msibi's niece Zema Magwaza said they appreciate what the NFP did to commemorate her.
"Although this is opening old wounds, we are happy that his party is still remembering my aunt" she said.
