Death has been announced of Odetta Kazembe, a diehard member of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Kazambe who was based in South Africa died this morning after a short illness, according to information sourced by this publication.

“On a sad note, We are here to communicate that we have lost a party diehard odetta kazembe in Republic of South Africa. Burial arrangement will be communicated later. May her soul rest in peace,” reads in part the statement posted on DPP official facebook page.

The death of Odetta comes barely hours to DPP’s blue night dinner and dance set to take place at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

Former President Peter Mutharika is expected to grace the function.