Pretoria - Messages of condolences are pouring in after the shock and untimely death of Minority Front Leader Amichand Rajbansi, who passed away on Thursday.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele who worked closely with the former Sport and Recreation MEC Rajbansi when he was still Premier of KwaZulu-Natal said: "On behalf of the transport family, we want to convey our condolences to the family and colleagues of Amichand Rajbansi.
"He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during these difficult moments."
African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said Rajbansi was a prominent and influential figure in the politics of South Africa and Kwazulu-Natal in particular.
"To many South Africans, Rajbansi was known for his near obsession on community issues and issues affecting minorities.
"This has made him to stand out as a politician and a community leader. He made his mark during the negotiations leading to a democratic dispensation in the country," Mthembu said in a statement.
Rajbansi further distinguished himself in parliament as a representative of the Minority Front.
"It was under his leadership that the ANC entered into a coalition in KZN when we could not muster the majority votes. This distinguished him as a practical leader but also as someone open-minded.
"His absence in society and the political scene will be noticed. To his family we want to say their loss is our loss as country. We would like to pass our condolences to his family and his wife in particular," Mthembu said.
eThekwini Municipality mayor, James Nxumalo said Rajbansi played a leading role in the establishment of South Africa's democracy.
His party has been an important partner in the Council, and they hoped it will continue to do so. "South African politics will never be the same without him and his contribution will be solely missed."
City Manager, Dr Michael Sutcliffe said he has fond memories of the Bengal Tiger. "I've worked with Rajbansi for over 20 years not only as an opposition politician, but also as a colleague.
"We've lost a real Tiger not a chiwawa. May his sole rest in peace," said Sutcliffe.
DA leader Helen Zille said Rajbansi helped bring "coalition politics" to South Africa. "He was one of the people who introduced the idea of coalition politics to South Africa by strategically aligning his party with others to achieve his objectives," Zille said in a statement.
Inkatha Freedom Party President Mangosuthu Buthelezi also conveyed his sincerest and deepest condolences to the Minority Front, the family and friends of the late Rajbansi.
"To those whom he has left behind, I extend my heartfelt sympathies and prayers. May the Almighty comfort and uphold you during this difficult time," he said.
Family spokesperson Patrick Pillay said the funeral service will be held in Durban, at the Chatsworth stadium on Saturday from 11:30am to 4pm.
His body would then be taken to the Clare Estate crematorium where he would be cremated at 5pm.
Rajbansi died at the age of 69 on Thursday morning, after being admitted to hospital in Umhlanga, outside Durban, in October with bronchitis.
Senior ANC members and members of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature were expected to visit the Rajbansi family on Friday.
The ANC and Minority Front had a co-operation agreement which led to Rajbansi serving in the ANC-led KwaZulu-Natal cabinet from 2004 to 2009, as sports and recreation MEC.
