The City of Johannesburg Council’s political leadership has been dealt a serious blow and left with a leadership vacuum following the passing of the “gentle giant”.
That is how Councillor Simphiwe Mbongo was described by many mourners during his virtual memorial services last week.
He was given a final send off on Tuesday, 11 August 2020, in a Civic Funeral Service. The funeral procession adhered to Covid-19 regulations, which limit the number of mourners who could attend to only 50. His coffin left his home in Meadowlands to Westpark Cemetery.
The memorial service paid tribute to the fallen dedicated leader and was accompanied with songs which celebrated the person that he was – a giant with impeccable leadership qualities. Friends and family, comrades and colleagues from region A to G joined in the virtual memorial service to pay their last respect.
Mbongo was Ward 41 councillor in Meadowlands. He was born in 1977 and died on 4 August 2020.
“Comrade Simphiwe worked with passion and integrity. He was an intelligent guy, which is what we will miss about him. He left an example for all of us to follow. A quite gentle giant. He leaves when leadership is needed in Johannesburg,” said Cllr Tania OId John.
Councillor Jabulani Thomo remembered how Mbongo used to tackle difficult issues at Section 79 Committee for EISD with calm and wisdom alongside him. He said Mbongo left at a difficult time when councillors are under increasing attacks from angry communities over electricity supply problems.
Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe was lost for words when describing how shocked she on learning about Mbongo’s passing. “I spoke to him on Saturday. I was shocked beyond devastation when I learned of his passing. When the community was throwing stones at us and insulting us, he always had a calm approach. I had learnt to depend on him.
“Without raising his voice, he would constructively criticise and encourage us at the same time. I don’t know how we would go on without him. We worked so close and so well together, this is why it’s so difficult to accept his passing,” said Cllr Mfikoe.
Many praised Cllr Mbongo as a straight-talker, a selfless servant and caring person.
The Chief Whip in Council, Councillor Solly Mogase, said: “We would like to extend the appreciation to the Mbongo family for having given us the soldier in the forefront of the service delivery battle. May his soul rest in peace.”
“Lala ngoxolo my friend and my dear comrade until we meet again,” said Speaker of Council Cllr Nonceba Molwele.
