Glebelands, Councillor Zodwa Sibiya, was shot and killed at the Glebelands Community Residential Unit (CRU), in Umlazi.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor James Nxumalo, has expressed shock at the murder.

“Such cowardly acts must be condemned in the strongest way possible. We have been robbed of a leader when the country is working hard in redressing the gender imbalances. Councillor Sibiya has been a brave leader who continued to serve the community in the face of the brutalities and loss of lives in her Ward. We call upon our security agencies to make sure that perpetrators are brought to book,” said Nxumalo

Stepping up security

Sibiya’s death comes after the Municipality had made significant progress in implementing the safety plan for the CRU launched in 2014 by the political leadership.

Nxumalo said R10 million has been allocated for fencing the CRU and the project was progressing well.

“The construction of fencing has already begun at the Glebelands Community Residential Unit. We care about our people and will take every step to ensure their safety,” he said.

Nxumalo said that a task team had been established comprising of national, provincial, and local leadership in order to find solutions aimed at addressing issues of violence at Glebelands.

He added that the City is concerned about the safety of residents in Community Residential Units, particularly Glebelands and KwaMashu.

Sibiya was instrumental in the fight to allow women to reside in Community Residential Units.

The critical role of law enforcement

Deputy Mayor, Nomvuzo Shabalala said that law enforcement needs to play a more crucial role and work with the City to end violence.

The task team will be meeting soon to discuss further action that is to be taken. Police are still investigating the matter.

Sibiya’s memorial service will take place at the Durban City Hall on Thursday, 21 April 2016 at 15h00.

A funeral service will take place at the same venue at 9am on Sunday, 24 April 2016 thereafter the funeral will proceed to Mkhazini, near Folweni. All services are open to the public to pay their last respects.