It was with regret and sadness that the National Spokesperson of the IFP, Reverend K.M Zondi, today announced that Mrs Sue Felgate, age 62, passed away this morning after a long illness.

Mrs Felgate was the private secretary to the President of the IFP and secretary of the Party's National Council and National Co-ordinating Council.

In loving memory:

Sue was born in the United Kingdom. Sue has worked closely Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and the Party since the 1970's, when Inkatha was established as a liberation movement.

That Sue was the first white person to join the IFP when the Political Interference Act was repealed in 1990 allowing people from all racial groups to join the organisation, is perhaps the best testimony to her close involvement with the Party she loved.

In her long service, Sue also served as Deputy-Mayor of Ulundi during her time as a Town Councillor.

Sue was without doubt a living institution within the Party, known by all for her extraordinary zest for hard-work, attention to detail and unswerving loyalty to the Party's cause. And let there be no doubt, Sue detested mediocrity and tardiness.

Sue possessed an acerbic sense of humour and an unusual strength of character. She did not suffer fools gladly, yet must of all, Sue will be remembered by her friends and colleagues for her many, many acts of kindness and the depth of her compassion.

Sue was a confidant and a listening ear to many people in the Party.

In keeping in with her character, Sue stayed with us right to the end. We will all miss her dreadfully.