By Charmaine Ndlela
City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Councillor Andile Mngwevu, the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Planning, who tragically lost his life after the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floodwaters in Chókwè, Mozambique.
Mngwevu’s remains were recovered on Tuesday, along with those of three other people who had been travelling with him.
The group had been missing since mid-January after heavy rains and severe flooding struck parts of Mozambique. Their vehicle was swept away in Chókwè village in the Gaza Province.
At the time of his passing, Mngwevu also served as the City’s Leader of Government Business.
“Councillor Mngwevu was a committed public servant who dedicated his life to improving mobility, infrastructure development and service delivery for the people he served. His passing is a profound loss to the City, the Council and the broader community,” Xhakaza said.
The mayor credited Mngwevu for consistently putting communities first and responding to their needs, describing him as a critical member of the Mayoral Committee who paid close attention to detail and ensured that the interests of Ekurhuleni residents were protected.
“On behalf of the City’s leadership, the Executive Mayor extends heartfelt condolences to the Mngwevu family, friends, colleagues and all those affected by this tragic loss, including the families of the three other individuals who were travelling with him,” Xhakaza said.
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) Ekurhuleni region has also mourned the passing of Mgwevu and the three community members who were travelling with him.
“We would like to commend the work being done by the departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, International Relations and Cooperation, and other stakeholders who ensured that the impact of the floods was minimised, including the rescue efforts that led to the recovery of the mortal remains of the occupants of the swept-away vehicle, allowing their families to find closure after more than a week of agonising waiting,” said regional secretary Cassius Mabaso in a statement.
“We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, the African National Congress, and all those affected. We pray for the true comfort that comes from the Lord.”
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