The OR Tambo District Municipality council is mourning yet another death of its councillor following the death of Councillor Nkosifikile Gqomo (48) who passed away following a short illness.
Gqomo served as Mayoral Committee Member responsible for Planning, Research, and Intergovernmental Relations at the district municipality since November 2021 until his passing.
He is the third councillor serving at the district municipality’s council to die in a space of a month following the deaths of Councillor Mabhiza Mfamela who served as Mhlontlo Local Municipality representative in the district council and that of Councillor Fundisile Ranai who was Ingquza Hill Local Municipality representative.
“Councillor Gqomo was instrumental in the planning for this term of Council as he was tasked with leading the portfolio for Intergovernmental Relations, Planning, Research and policy Development of the municipality,” said OR Tambo District municipality council speaker Ntandokazi Capa in leading tributes to the late Gqomo.
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She described Gqomo as a selfless leader of the district municipality adding that his passing was “indeed a gloomy moment for our district.”
The ANC in the Eastern Cape has also paid tribute to Gqomo saying he demonstrated unquestionable loyalty and dedication to the organisation throughout his life by serving wherever the ANC deemed fit to deploy him.
Gqomo was serving as regional treasurer of the ANC in the OR Tambo Region at the time of his passing.
“As we lower our banners in his fitting tribute, we do so with a profound sense of appreciation to his family for their generosity of sharing the life of their father, son and uncle with the African National Congress,” the party said in a statement.
The district municipality said details pertaining to funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
