Tributes have continued pouring in for former Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Mpho Moerane, who died on Wednesday a week after he was involved in a car accident.
Moerane had been in intensive care at the Netcare Milpark Hospital where he had remained unconscious until his passing.
Moerane becomes the third former Joburg Mayor to die in a space of 10 months.
He took over the City’s mayoral office after the death of Jolidee Matongo, who also died in a tragic car accident in September 2021, and Geoff Makhubo who died from Covid-19 related complications.
President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday hailed Moerane as a multi-skilled leader who placed his talents at the disposal of citizens.
“This is a sad day for Johannesburg and for the nation, as we mourn the passing of a vibrant, young leader,” he said.
“Moerane was an entrepreneurial, multi-skilled leader who placed his talents and creative energy at the disposal of the citizens of Johannesburg by moving into public office with vast experience as a business owner and, earlier in his life, as an artisan.”
Ramaphosa said they will miss his contribution to the ANC.
“We will miss his contribution to his political home, the African National Congress, and to the development of Johannesburg as one of our country’s and continent’s most important economic and cultural centres,” he said.
Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and CoGTA, Lebogang Maile has also passed condolences to the Moerane family on behalf of the provincial government.
“On behalf of the Gauteng provincial government we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Moerane family; his colleagues in the Municipal Council and his organization, the African National Congress,” he said.
Maile said Moerane was leading a highly effective and servant orientated opposition in making sure that service delivery reaches Joburg citizens.
“This is a huge blow for local government not only in Johannesburg, but provincially as a whole. He was very disciplined and committed servant, who was dedicated to the service of the people.”
Maile is expected to visit the Moerane’s family to extend government’s condolences.
