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It is with great sadness that the City of Johannesburg has learnt of the passing of Mr Benedict Somi Vilakazi. He succumbed to Covid-19 at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital on 11 April 2020 at the age of 57.
Vilakazi had become one of the City’s trusted businesspeople in the food industry and well known by many locals and internationals as he served beverages and confectionary to tourists at Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto.
His point of contact with the deadly coronavirus is unclear, however, his exposure to the museum cannot be ruled out until proven otherwise by the investigation team. Vilakazi was exposed to tourists from identified high-risk countries and also attended two funerals, one in Orlando West and another in Limpopo.
The City of Johannesburg is working with its stakeholders, led by the Department of Health, to adhere to set protocols for coronavirus-hit areas. This includes, among others, using information at its disposal such as attendance register to track City officials and those who might had contact with the late Vilakazi. Disinfections of the museum and family house form part of the plan to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The family’s loss is the City’s loss as Vilakazi was a key player in the cultural and hospitality sector. He contributed to making Joburg great, especially his township of Soweto. Farewell Vilakazi. May your family and the workers of this great City of Joburg find solace in your meticulous and hard work that you demonstrated over the years.
The City urges residents to adhere to the lockdown regulations, which include social distancing and practicing good hygiene. This entails washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based sanitiser and wearing cloth face masks when you are out shopping or visiting the pharmacy.
The City of Joburg, the province of Gauteng and the South African nationals will eventually win the battle against Covid-19 if we all lend a hand and play our part.
Issued by:
Councillor Margaret Arnolds
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development
City of Johannesburg
