Deputy Prime Minister Thuli Dladla has remembered the late Trusty Ntombizonke Gina as a formidable political mind and a trailblazer whose contribution to the country’s political landscape deserved to be celebrated.
Dladla described her as a warrior who fought battles that were not always visible to those around her.
Speaking during Gina’s memorial service held at Metropolitan Evangelical in Manzini, Dladla paid an emotional tribute to the former Member of Parliament, reflecting on the political disappointments she endured, the resilience with which she navigated public life and the intellectual companionship she offered those who shared her passion for politics.
She said Gina had demonstrated extraordinary courage throughout her life, even when circumstances gave her every reason to surrender. Dladla observed that while Gina was undoubtedly a warrior, her strength should not obscure the personal battles she had fought behind the scenes.
“Not every warrior wears armour and not every battle leaves a visible scar,” she said, reflecting on the struggles that almost cost Gina her confidence.
She said the former legislator had endured political disappointments, quietly nursed wounds that many people never knew about and nevertheless found the courage to keep moving.
According to Dladla, Gina had also built such a formidable guard around herself that few people could reach her emotionally. However, she said even the strongest individuals needed to recognise when it was time to let go and embrace peace.
In one of the most poignant moments of her tribute, Dladla suggested that Gina had, at some point, needed to give herself permission to rest, acknowledging that the warrior who had spent much of her life fighting her battles had finally found eternal rest.
“Trusty, at some point you had to give yourself permission to rest. You were a warrior, but there is also a place for peace and rest, eternal rest. Rest well, LaZwide. Rest well, Mnguni,” she said.
Beyond their political association, Dladla spoke fondly of Gina’s sharp intellect and analytical mind, qualities she said made her a particularly stimulating person to engage with. She recalled how Gina would telephone her in the early hours of the morning, often initiating discussions about current affairs and challenging her to think more deeply about issues affecting the country.
Dladla said those conversations were among the things she would miss most, describing Gina as someone who loved and lived politics.
“Death is a waste. Surely, I will miss your early morning calls provoking my thoughts on current affairs,” she said.
The DPM also expressed appreciation for Gina’s genuine affection and unwavering support, acknowledging the personal bond they had shared beyond the corridors of political power. The tribute offered a glimpse into the life of a woman whose political influence extended beyond the positions she occupied, with her intellect, forthrightness and determination earning her a place among the country’s pioneering female politicians.
Born on August 8, 1956, to the late John Dick Yangayibayeye Numayo, popularly known as Mlomo’phuminto, and Sehlephi Mayllinah Masuku, Gina’s journey began at Sidvokodvo Nazarene Primary School, where she studied up to Grade Four.
She subsequently transferred to Manzini Nazarene Primary School, completing Grades Five to Seven before proceeding to Sikhunyana High School.
Her academic journey continued at the Eswatini College of Technology (SCOT), where she obtained a Diploma in Secretarial Studies.
Gina entered the formal employment sector in 1987 when she joined Barclays Bank. However, after three years, she resigned in 1990 to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions, demonstrating an independent streak that would remain evident throughout her life. Her entry into national politics marked the beginning of a distinguished career in public service.
In 2003, she was elected Member of Parliament for Nkilongo Inkhundla, at a time when the country was still known as Swaziland. Following her swearing-in, she was unanimously elected deputy speaker of the House of Assembly, making history as the first woman to occupy the position.
During her first parliamentary term, Gina served on the Parliamentary Transport Portfolio Committee, where she played a key role in the development of the 2005 Transport Policy.
Her re-election in 2008 saw her continue serving in the Eighth and Ninth Parliaments, where she contributed to various portfolio committees, including health and agriculture.
Her influence was not confined to the national Legislature. Between 2008 and 2013, she represented the country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum.
During the same period, she was among five MPs nominated to represent the country in the Pan-African Parliament, where she served on the committee on health.
Her international parliamentary engagements also included representing Eswatini at various meetings, among them the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting held in Fiji in 2013. In 2009, she further demonstrated her commitment to democratic processes when she participated in an Election Observation Mission to Namibia.
After leaving Parliament, Gina returned to entrepreneurship, maintaining an active presence in the country’s economic and agricultural sectors. She was involved with organisations including the Cane Growers Association and Mndobandoba Multi-Purpose Co-operative, where she remained active until her passing.
Her obituary described her as fearless, a go-getter and a bulldozer, but also a homemaker and straight talker who always had a ready response to any question.
She is survived by her mother, beloved husband, sister Mumsy, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Mother was a disruptive thinker – Zithulele Gina
The late former MP Trusty Gina was a woman whose brilliance challenged conventional thinking, whose sharp intellect commanded respect and whose humour made her unforgettable.
This was how her son, Zithulele Gina, remembered the former Member of Parliament during her memorial service, describing her as a progressive and disruptive thinker who could leave people questioning their perspectives.
He said his mother was never intimidated by anyone, regardless of their knowledge, expertise or position.
To illustrate her unconventional thinking, Zithulele jokingly described her as one of the few people who could explain why pizza was round, packed in a round box, yet eaten in triangular slices.
Beyond her intellectual brilliance, Gina was exceptionally generous. Her son recalled visiting his parents’ home one day and finding her preparing 24 plates of food for a household of just four.
When he questioned the number, she simply told him to wait. Soon, people began arriving to collect their meals. Even before joining Parliament, she had become known as Make laNdwandwe, a woman people could approach when they were hungry or needed assistance.
During her parliamentary years, people would arrive in the morning seeking help with school fees and other needs. Despite her limited resources, she always found something to share. Zithulele also remembered a mother who fiercely valued family unity, constantly reminding her children never to allow disagreements to become lifelong grudges. Her sharp mind was matched by an infectious sense of humour. Even during her illness at The Luke Commission, he said, she remained full of jokes and laughter, often making those around her forget that she was unwell. He said the family was grateful to everyone who supported Gina during her illness, describing her as a woman who, despite difficult days, remained determined to live.
Through his recollections, Zithulele celebrated a woman whose brilliance, generosity and unconventional outlook extended far beyond her political achievements.
