DA’s mayoral candidate, deputy mayor of uMhlathuze dies at 63

The City of uMhlathuze in northern KwaZulu-Natal is in mourning following the passing of its deputy mayor, Christo Botha, with tributes and messages of condolence continuing to pour in from across the region. Botha died on Tuesday morning following health complications. A heartfelt post shared on Botha’s official page on Tuesday afternoon captured the depth of loss felt by residents, describing him as a leader who was deeply committed to the people he served.

“Not only has uMhlathuze lost its deputy mayor, but many residents have lost a man who truly cared — a man who answered calls late at night, who fought for communities when others stayed silent, and who carried the struggles of residents on his shoulders every single day,” the statement read. Botha was also the DA’s mayoral candidate for uMhlathuze. He was hospitalised on Tuesday last week and was unable to attend the DA’s provincial congress, which was held in Durban on Saturday.

Those closest to him witnessed a battle that reflected exactly who he was as a leader — someone who never stopped fighting, no matter how difficult the road became. Having served as a ward councillor before rising to deputy mayor and was now on a campaign trail for uMhlathuze mayor, Botha was described as a leader whose vision was rooted in service, accountability and building a better future for uMhlathuze.