Mhlontlo Local Municipality has described the death of its Ward 20 Councillor, Mabhiza Mamfela, as an institutional memory loss, as he was one of the few longest-serving councillors within the local authority’s council.
Mfamela (62) passed away on September 4, following a short illness. At the time of his passing, he was also serving as Mhlontlo Local Municipality’s councillor within the OR Tambo District Municipality council.
“Mhlontlo Local Municipality is deeply saddened by the passing on of Mfamela.”
“The municipality is in deep tears because he departs with great experience and knowledge that could move the municipality forward,” read a statement issued by the municipality.
OR Tambo District Municipality council speaker, Councillor Ntandokazi Capa, also expressed her heartfelt condolences to the Mfamela family and the district population at large.
She described Mfamela as a true representative and humble servant who stood by the side of the rural masses, regardless of circumstances.
“We have lost a dedicated champion of rural development and a great ambassador for the people,” Capa said.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the OR Tambo District, where the late Mfamela served as a district executive committee member from 2013 until his passing, praised him for his loyalty, commitment and dedication to bettering the lives of the working class and the poor.
“He identified himself with the struggles of the masses, as a worker fighting against the exploitation of workers by capitalists, as well as improving the conditions of the workers, under the banner of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), an affiliate of COSATU. Mfamela hated fraud and corruption, factionalism and gatekeeping in our structures,” said SACP OR Tambo District secretary Simthembile Mvunelo.
Mfamela’s funeral service will take place at Gqwesa Village in Qumbu today, September 15.
