Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, 63, the chair of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, died suddenly in his sleep at his home in Ngqeleni.His death was confirmed by family members and traditional leaders, with his brother attributing it to suspected cardiac failure.Gwadiso, elected in 2022 after a contested election, was a prominent figure in traditional leadership structures.His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through political and traditional leadership circles.Prior to his role as chair, he served as the inaugural chair of the OR Tambo Local House of Traditional Leaders from 2017 to 2022.

Gwadiso's final high-profile engagement was a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa during a state visit to Western Thembuland, where leaders discussed rural development, traditional leadership roles, and illegal immigration challenges.

His death marks a significant loss for the Eastern Cape's traditional leadership and underscores the fragility of political alliances in the region.Tributes from government officials and fellow leaders are expected as the news spreads.The incident highlights the interconnectedness of traditional and political power structures in South Africa.