Former KZN Premier Dr. Ben Ngubane has died.
Ngubane (79) passed away in the early hours of Monday after being admitted to the hospital where he was being treated for Covid-19.
Ngubane also served as the minister of Arts, Culture in the 90s, and Melomed in Richards Bay confirmed that Ngubane passed away.
“It is with regret that we have to confirm that this retired politician and former KZN Prime Minister and SABC and Eskom Chairman passed away earlier this morning around 1:40 am,” Melomed Richards Bay hospital manager Randal Pedro said in a statement.
“Our family mourns this great loss as Dr. Ngubane played a pivotal role in transforming the private healthcare landscape in North KZN in an advisory capacity and I will personally miss his guidance and teaching."
Pedro added that the Melomed Richards Bay was privileged to have had his many years of loyal support and support, not only as a patient but as a health care access consultant, while upholding his oath as a physician.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sheila, his children, and grandchildren during their time of mourning as we mourn this great loss with them.
Ngubane also served on the board of Eskom from December 2014 and resigned in June 2017 after serving as chairman from October 2015.
He was previously also chairman of the board of SABC and the Landbank.
In 1991, Ngubane was appointed Minister of Health in the government of KwaZulu-Natal, a position he held until 1994.
In 1992, Ngubane was a member of the Codesa working group dealing with constitutional principles and making constitutions on behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party.
In 2004, he was appointed Ambassador to Japan, where he served in this capacity until 2008. In 2010, he was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun for his contributions "to improving the relationship and cooperation in science and technology between Japan and South Africa.”
