The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) has expressed its sadness at the sudden death of Eric Nduna, the communications head of its peninsula region and a Kraaifontein activist.
Mr Nduna,48, succumbed to a heart attack on Wednesday May 20 after spending four days in hospital. According to a statement from Sanco on Thursday, May 21, Mr Nduna died due to a week-long battle with Covid 19. But the Nduna family said a post-mortem confirmed that he had died of a heart attack and had had no Covid 19 symptoms at the time of hospitalisation.
The family’s spokesperson, Zimisele Mlumiso, said the “fake Covid 19 news” had traumatised the family and caused outsiders to stay away from the family’s home.
“Eric gave voice to the voiceless, and we cannot believe he was disrespected like this. People who had the utmost respect for him did not come to sympathise with the family because of fake news and panic,” he said.
However he said “all is forgiven” and Mr Nduna would be remembered for his humble heart and the love for his wife, Nokhaya.
Sanco apologised for its previous statement and told Northern News that WhatsApp messages had caused the confusion.
Sanco spokesman Boyisile Mafilika said Mr Nduna was a teenager when he first became an activist. He participated in the structures of the United Democratic Front. He played a key role in defiance campaigns as a member of Western Cape Student Congress. Growing up in the hostile environment, Mr Nduna took part in the self defence units in Khayelitsha.
After the unbanning of the political parties, Mr Nduna served in a number of ANC structures while residing in Khayelitsha before moving to Kraaifontein. He was elected as Kraaifontein Sanco’s zonal secretary, and in 2016 he started the Kraaifontein Economic Drivers Committee.
Mr Nduna was elected at a regional conference in 2018 to serve in the regional executive committee of Sanco’s communications department because of his leadership skills and vision, Mr Mafilika said.
“Comrade Nduna was a selfless leader and dedicated to serve his people. He died a hero.”
Mr Nduna will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 30.