Although the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal is yet to issue an official statement on the death of its spokesperson, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has sent condolences to Ricardo Mthembu's family and the governing party. 

Mthembu died on Wednesday morning in hospital, allegedly due to Covid-19 complications. Senior members of the party that are not authorised to speak to the media confirmed his death with African News Agency (ANA). 

Mthembu served as the mayor of KwaDukuza for eight years, before being deployed to the ANC KZN spokesperson position following the party's 2018 provincial conference. He was also a member of the ANC provincial executive committee. 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) was quick to offer its condolences on Wednesday, saying Mthembu's death marked a “sad day in KwaZulu-Natal”. 

DA KZN leader, Zwakele Mncwango, shared his sentiments on behalf of the opposition party via a brief statement and video clip. 

“Today is a sad day in our province, Covid-19 is the enemy. On behalf of the DA in KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to pass our condolences to the family of honourable Ricardo Mthembu.”

Mncwango also expressed condolences to the ANC. “Mvelase (Mthembu) was one of the selfless leaders we had in our province. All we can say now, rest in peace Mvelase,” said Mncwango. 

KwaZulu-Natal's Covid-19 infections have been increasing rapidly as the province and the country near the peak of the pandemic. 

During a press briefing on Sunday, premier Sihle Zikalala announced that the province had registered 13 984 infections, 4197 recoveries, and 182 deaths since the outbreak was first recorded in the province. 

Just a week earlier, the numbers stood at 7 786 infections; 3 417 recoveries, and 112 deaths. Zikalala called the increase "astronomical".