Less than two months before the Local Government Elections, the political landscape in the eThekwini Municipality has shifted following the sudden death of uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP) Ward 110 councillor Mandla Biyela. “Mtawunge”, as he was affectionately known, passed away on Wednesday, 16 September, following a short illness.
Following his death, the MK Party released a statement. It said: “The MK Party (MKP) eThekwini Region Elections Team expresses its profound shock and sadness at the passing of Comrade (Cde) Mandla Biyela, MKP Ward 110 Councillor and the first MKP Councillor in the eThekwini Region. Cde Biyela made history by winning Ward 110, a ward previously governed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), defeating candidates from the DA, ANC and IFP.
“His historic victory demonstrated the growing confidence of the people in the MKP and their desire for transformative leadership rooted in the interests of the people. Cde Biyela was a dedicated servant of the people and a committed revolutionary who devoted himself to improving the living conditions of the residents of Ward 110 and the people of eThekwini as a whole. His commitment, dedication and service to the people were once again demonstrated when the people of Ward 110 chose him to represent them as their ward councillor for the upcoming Local Government Elections.”
The party said his passing was not only a loss to the Biyela family, but a loss to the Ward 110 community, residents of eThekwini and the party as a whole. “We lower our green flags in honour and respect of Cde Mandla Biyela, a servant of the people whose contribution to the struggle and to the MKP will forever remain in our history. As we mourn his passing, we draw strength from his commitment, sacrifice and revolutionary spirit. May his revolutionary soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to remain steadfast in the service of the people and the advancement of the MKP. Hamba Kahle Cde Mandla Biyela.”
Biyela was the first MKP Ward councillor in eThekwini, following his victory in the 2025 Ward 110 By-elections. The by-election, which took place on 16 April 2025 following the vacancy left by former Democratic Alliance councillor Aamir Abdul, was won by Biyela and the MKP, which obtained 2 435 votes, beating the Democratic Alliance by 22 votes (2 413 votes), the African National Congress (966 votes) and independent candidate Bronwynne Delaney. Ward 110 covers Glen Anil, Glen Hills, Mount Moriah, Mount Royal and Sunningdale.
The family was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
