IFP MP chose to face death square-on

20 August 2014 - 02:01 By Nashira Davids and Denise Williams
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
IFP Member of Parliament Mario Oriani-Ambrosini during the parliamentary debate about the Guptagate on May 22, 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. File photo
IFP Member of Parliament Mario Oriani-Ambrosini during the parliamentary debate about the Guptagate on May 22, 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. File photo

"I want to make sure that death finds me when I am still alive. I don't want to die in bed, I hope not," said Inkatha Freedom Party MP Mario Oriani-Ambrosini in his last interview with The Times in November.

He was dying of lung cancer. On Saturday the charismatic politician committed suicide.

Yesterday, in Parliament, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said: "[Oriani-Ambrosini] decided to end his long and hard-fought battle with cancer, and the unbearable pain and suffering he had to endure towards the end. He had tried every alternative, including conventional treatments, and was faced with the imminent failure of his body.

"In many respects, it had already failed, including his lungs, his mobility and his eyesight.

"He was not able to eat and was dependent on an oxygen machine."

In his last moments he wrote to close friends: "I am dying at a time when I feel ready. My last thoughts are with my child [Luke] and I hope that you may give him some of the love and guidance I would like him to receive."

Oriani-Ambrosini came to South Africa from Italy during constitutional negotiations before the 1994 elections, and became Buthelezi's adviser when he was the home affairs minister.

Oriani-Ambrosini became an MP in 2009. He will be remembered for his fierce fight against the Protection of State Information Bill.

In his interview with The Times, Oriani-Ambrosini said: "I've had an incredible life, I have a lust for life. My regret is not having lived more but I think I've used what I was given well."

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now