News24 | eThekwini Metro DA councillor Welekazi Sibiya has died

Welekazi Sibiya, an eThekwini Metro DA councillor, has died.

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• The DA in KwaZulu-Natal announced the death of eThekwini Metro councillor Welekazi Sibiya on Sunday.
• Sibiya was praised for her courage in holding the eThekwini administration to account.
• DA KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema said her death was “a tremendous loss” to the party, the metro and the province.

eThekwini Metro DA councillor Welekazi Sibiya has died after a short illness.

The DA in KwaZulu-Natal announced her death on Sunday in a statement issued by provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema, who described her as a dedicated young leader whose contribution to public life was “cut far too short”.

“We have lost a colleague, a public representative and, above all, a leader who still had so much to give,” said Ngema.

“Welekazi was a dedicated young leader who cared deeply about the communities she served. As a DA councillor in the eThekwini Metro, she was never afraid to speak up for residents, raise difficult issues and push for better governance, accountability and service delivery.

“Her contribution extended well beyond her work in council. Welekazi was a rising leader within the DA who had already shown enormous potential. She was passionate about public service and committed to making a difference in the lives of the people she represented.”

The statement did not disclose the cause of death or the circumstances surrounding it.

However, according to the party’s provincial chairperson and public works and infrastructure minister, Dean Macpherson, Sibiya died after “a short illness”.

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of eThekwini Councillor, Welekazi Sibiya after a short illness. As a party and province, we are heartbroken. We pray for her partner, children and family during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/uaEyYnvQ8q

— Dean Macpherson MP (@DeanMacpherson) August 23, 2026

Sibiya served as a PR councillor in the eThekwini Municipality and was an increasingly prominent figure within the DA’s KwaZulu-Natal structures.

In May this year, she challenged Macpherson for the party’s provincial chairperson position at the DA KwaZulu-Natal congress in Durban.

Ngema said Sibiya’s death was “a tremendous loss to the DA, to eThekwini and to KZN”.

“Welekazi will be remembered for her courage, her commitment and her willingness to stand up for the communities she served. Her contribution to public life, although cut far too short, will not be forgotten,” he added.

“At this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones. We hope they find strength and comfort in knowing how many lives Welekazi touched through her work and service.”

The DA has not yet announced details of memorial services or funeral arrangements.