“The mighty tree of the City of Joburg has fallen indeed." These are some of the somber words which vibrated in the Council Chambers in Braamfontein, as leaders remembered the time and life of the late Executive Mayor, Cllr Geoffrey Molantoa Makhubo.
For the first time, leaders of various political parties represented in the Council agreed that they lost “the people's mayor."
After officially opening the Special Council Meeting in honour of the late Executive Mayor, on Thursday, 29 July 2021, Speaker of Council Cllr Nonceba Molwele had this to say: “It is very sad when someone you know becomes someone you knew. I wish I could take all this pain and sorrow from all of you, the family, fellow councillors, officials and the citizens of Johannesburg."
The meeting was held through a hybrid format, with most people joining virtually while a limited number of people was present inside Council Chambers. This is in line with Adjusted Level 3 regulations as gazetted in Gazette 44895 of 25 July 2021. Those who physically attended the memorial service, included only the family of the late Mayor Makhubo, some councillors and officials.
“In Councillor Geoff Makhubo's passing, we've lost one of the eminent sons of the great City of Johannesburg. We have lost one of the front-line combatants in the struggle for a better City; a City that is more inclusive; and a City where no one is left behind. We have also lost a true revolutionary to whom many accolades are due," remarked ANC's Cllr Mpho Moerane.
Cllr Moerane described Makhubo as “an outstanding leader of our people – a leader who was always hands-on; who was forever ready to serve, who led from the front – a leader who lived in and among the people."
Moerane said one of the legacies left by Makhubo, which they City was pursuing was to see the transfer of electricity distribution for Soweto, Orange Farm, Finetown, Diepsloot and Ivory Park, from Eskom back to the City through City Power.
DA's Cllr Leah Knott had this to say: “One thing I appreciated about Geoff was his constant availability. He always picked up his phone and was available for meetings. He always had a sense of humor. I always appreciated the fact that we spoke often. As human-beings we could have informal engagements. We always disagreed, but he treated us equally."
EFF's Cllr M. Sako described Makhubo as “a man who never gave up fighting for what he believed in."
“It has been a difficult five years in the office, as we have lost many of our loved ones. We've lost a man who was in the forefront of fighting the struggles of the City residents," said Saco.
IFP's Cllr Mzobanzi Ntuli, said the City has lost a remarkable leader and that his party had worked very well with the late Mayor.
“We were disturbed when we heard the sad news of the passing of the Executive Mayor. May his soul rest in peace," said Ntuli.
Cllr Thapelo Amad from Aljama-Ah, said Makhubo was like a brother, father and mentor of many young councillors in Council. “Indeed death has robbed us of the leader," said Amad.
COPE's Cllr Lawrence Khoza labeled Makhubo as “an extraordinary individual, a larger-than life character, an academically accomplished and curious individual."
“The Executive Mayor had this permanent obsession with improving the lives of the people of Johannesburg," said Khoza. He added that he believes that Makhubo came close to perfecting the profile of what an Executive Mayor should possess.
AIC's Cllr Margaret Arnolds said Makhubo was a unifier who led the government of local unity (GLU) in the City, which was able to pass an inclusive budget.
“He was a man filled with intelligence, wisdom and humility. The City has lost an icon," said Arnolds.
UDM's Cllr Thandi Nontenja had this to say: “The mighty tree of the City of Joburg has fallen indeed. Mayor Makhubo was the mayor of the people. He was grounded, humble and a constructive person. To the family we say, your loss is our loss. We thank you for sharing your loved one with us, with the nation. Painful as it is, we couldn't delay him any longer. Rest in peace the people's mayor."
ACDP's Cllr Mkhonza remembered Makhubo for his conviction and his robust debating skill.
PA's Cllr Ashley Sauls celebrated Makhubo as a decisive leader.
Chief Whip in Council Cllr Solly Mogase said “the chambers will never feel the same without Makhubo's leadership."
Keitumetse Makhubo, the daughter to the late Mayor, remembered her father as the most courageous person she knew.
“We would like to urge the City to continue with his legacy of transforming other townships like Orange Farm, Ivory Park, and Alexandra to be like Soweto," said Keitumetse.
Issued on behalf of speaker of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Nonceba Molwele
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