Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
FORMER Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Cde Andrew Langa’s elder brother, Cde Jerry Langa, a long serving Insiza councillor, has died.
He was 57.
Cde Langa, who is Zanu PF’s Insiza South Member of Parliament, said his politician brother, a councillor in Insiza North’s ward 2, died on Tuesday afternoon after battling diabetes.
He said his sibling died on his way to Bulawayo for medical treatment.
Cde Langa said Jerry was admitted to Filabusi District Hospital for over two weeks before the family decided to take him to Bulawayo for further treatment.
“He died yesterday (Tuesday) between 12PM and 1PM. He was being taken to Bulawayo where he was supposed to undergo treatment.
“He had battled with diabetes with his sugar levels dropping to critical levels. He passed on near Esigodini and his body was subsequently taken to Esigodini mortuary,” he said.
Cde Langa said his brother had served as a councillor in his home area for about 15 years. Between 2004 and 2009, he was Matabeleland South provincial youth leader before being elevated to the main wing.
Cde Langa said Jerry’s death was a great loss to the family as he kept them intact.
“He was a pillar of strength who would advise everyone in the family. As his younger brothers we would rush to him whenever we encountered problems and he would advise us accordingly.
“He was slow to speak and a great counsellor,” Cde Langa said.
He said his brother’s death was not only a blow to the family but also to the community and described him as a dedicated Zanu-PF cadre who remained loyal to the party even after his suspension last year.
Cde Langa and his brother were both suspended from Zanu-PF allegedly for plotting to oust President Mugabe.
The legislator said the late councillor, who is survived by his wife and five children, would be buried tomorrow at his rural home near Msithi Primary School in Filabusi where mourners are gathered.