Africa-Press – South-Africa. Late former Johannesburg mayor Mpho Moerane was described as an entrepreneurial, multi-skilled leader who placed his talents and creative energy at the disposal of the citizens of Johannesburg when tributes poured in for him.
He died on Wednesday afternoon.
He “moved into public office and utilised his vast experience as a business owner and, earlier in his life, as an artisan to uplift citizens in the metro,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said when he conveyed his condolences to the Moerane family.
Ramaphosa said his thoughts went out to Moerane’s wife, Fikile, and their four children, as well as the former mayor’s extended family and network of friends, comrades and colleagues.
Ramaphosa said:
Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse said it was with a numbing sadness that she received the news that he had died.
Former Johannesburg mayor Mpho Moerane has died, his family says
“He was the leader of the ANC caucus and the former executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg, and although seated across the aisle as part of the opposition, he was always eager to engage on the development of the City and on how we, as leaders in Johannesburg, could collectively work to serve the interests of residents.”
“‘Bitso (my namesake), as we affectionately used to call each other, will forever hold a special place in my heart – not just as a colleague’, but also as someone I called a friend,” Phalatse said.
The greater ANC Johannesburg region also paid tribute to Moerane, who was its treasurer.
“His life was decorated by service to the people and effective governance. He served as the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services and later as the executive mayor of the metro and will forever be remembered as a lifelong activist.”
“His passing is a great loss to the ANC and the greater society,” read the regional ANC’s statement.
Moerane was in hospital for a week after a horrific car accident.
Former Joburg mayor in hospital after being seriously injured in car crash
Family spokesperson Mike Maile announced his death at the Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.
He said Moerane has been admitted to the intensive care unit, where he received maximum expert medical treatment, support and care around the clock for his injuries.
Maile described Moerane as “kind-hearted” and “always going out of his way to support underprivileged communities in the metro”.
He served the people of Johannesburg as the mayor between 1 October and 22 November 2021.
He assumed office after the City had lost mayors Jolidee Matongo and Geoff Makhubo in quick succession.
For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press
