By Thapelo Molefe
The remains of Ekurhuleni Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Management, councillor Andile Mngwevu, have been found in Mozambique following a week-long search after he went missing during severe flooding.
Mngwevu’s remains were recovered on Tuesday, together with those of three other people inside the vehicle they were travelling in.
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The group had been missing since mid-January, when parts of Mozambique were hit by heavy rains and flooding. The vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Chokwe Village in the Gaza province.
The African National Congress in Ekurhuleni confirmed that the recovery followed joint search and rescue efforts involving South African teams working alongside Mozambican authorities. Party leaders were on Wednesday with the Mngwevu family following the confirmation.
Earlier, the City of Ekurhuleni said reports that Mngwevu was missing remained unverified, adding that it was engaging the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Office of the Gauteng Premier to establish the facts through official diplomatic channels.
“The safety and well-being of all affected persons are our primary concern,” the city said at the time, urging the public and media to avoid speculation.
The Mngwevu family later confirmed his death, describing the incident as devastating and requesting privacy as they mourn.
The ANC in Ekurhuleni said Mngwevu was a disciplined and committed cadre whose political activism began at the age of 15 through the Congress of South African Students while he was a learner in KwaThema.
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He later rose through the ranks of the ANC Youth League and served in various leadership positions within the party and government.
“At the time of his passing, he was entrusted with the responsibilities of MMC for Roads and Transport Planning and Leader of Government Business, roles he executed with dedication, integrity and excellence,” the ANC said.
The Patriotic Alliance in Ekurhuleni also extended its condolences, describing Mngwevu’s death as a loss to the city and the political landscape.
Details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements will be communicated by the family in due course.
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