Everson Xolo

Everson Thobigunya Xolo (2 December 1946 – 2 March 2012) was a South African politician and Zulu traditional leader. He was the chief of the Xolo clan at KwaXolo on the Natal South Coast from the late 1960s until 2010, and he represented the African National Congress (ANC) in the National Assembly from 2004 to 2009.

During apartheid, Xolo was a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and served as a minister in the KwaZulu government. In December 1993, he was critically injured in an assassination attempt – presumed to have been planned by IFP supporters – and driven temporarily from KwaXolo. He subsequently joined the ANC and held leadership positions in the ANC-aligned Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa).

Early life and career Xolo was born on 2 December 1946 at KwaXolo, a rural village near Ezinqoleni on the Lower South Coast of the former Natal Province. He had six brothers and two sisters. He also served in the government of the KwaZulu bantustan as a cabinet minister under Mangosuthu Buthelezi, but he resigned from the cabinet in 1978 to focus on his traditional leadership responsibilities. Xolo was critically injured and his left arm was permanently damaged. Leadership of KwaXolo fell to an IFP-aligned chief, Sgoloza Xolo. However, Xolo later resumed his chieftaincy. He served a single term in his seat and was a member of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services.

Retirement and personal life Xolo was married and had six children, three sons and three daughters. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of South Africa.

On 13 February 2010, months after leaving Parliament, he retired from his chieftaincy due to ill health. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Malusi, and then, upon Malusi's death in March 2011, by another son, Mxolisi. Xolo had diabetes and died on 2 March 2012 in Port Shepstone following a short illness.