Sikhala's NDWG top official dies

A senior official of the Job Sikhala-led National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) has died, sending shockwaves through the organisation and the wider democracy movement.

In a statement, NDWG spokesperson Silenkosi Moyo confirmed that Sibotshiwe Sibanda, president of the women's movement, passed away on the night of her birthday on January 6 while in South Africa, where she had travelled during the festive season.

"This horrible news came as a piercing sword into the hearts of the NDWG members, as no one expected such a sudden death occurrence, given that she was not sick or suffering from any ailment," Moyo said.

He noted the tragedy comes shortly after the sudden death of NDWG national Women Movement leader, Democrat Madade Ndlovu, on November 8, 2025.

"Sibanda was a courageous leader, a woman of steel, fearless to the definition of the word and a democracy fighter whose dedication to the freedom of the masses of our people was beyond question, as she wanted to see a free and democratic Zimbabwe," Moyo said.

He described Sibanda as an unsung heroine of unmatched proportions, devoted to the democratic struggle against tyranny and dictatorship in Zimbabwe. "She was a rare breed of solid leadership among the rank and file of the NDWG family and Zimbabwe at large. We mourn with the Sibanda family, and the NDWG family will be with them throughout this sad moment," Moyo added.

Burial arrangements are currently being made.