Qaqambile Mdledle
The late, Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Moloantoa Geoffrey Makhubo was laid to rest on Wednesday afternoon, 14 July 2021 at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.
Makhubo died in hospital on Friday, 09 July due to COVID-19 related complications at the age of 53. In keeping with Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown regulations, a small number of people attended the late mayor's funeral. Some followed the funeral proceedings virtually in various digital media platforms.
A sombre Premier David Makhura delivered the eulogy to a small group of family, friends, political party representatives and government officials
Premier Makhura described Joburg Mayor as a rock who stood tall, with an infectious personality. He told mourners that COVID-19 had robbed the nation of a modern-day saviour.
"The reality of this nightmare has struck closer to home. It has robbed our nation of a modern-day saviour who was a gift from the ancestors, and so with heavy hearts we are gathered here to bid him farewell," said Makhura.
The Premier described Makhubo as a strong opponent of patriarchy and gender-based violence, a leader who fiercely criticised those who practised and supported such immoral acts.
"He wanted the women of our country to enjoy the fruits of freedom by travelling the valleys and streets of our country and the city without fear of being attacked or harassed.
Makhubo became the Mayor of the country's biggest metro in December 2019. He was also the chairperson of the ANC Johannesburg region. Makhura described Makhubo as a revolutionary who was committed to leading the city that is the heartbeat of the country's economy.
"There is no question that we are hurting. But beyond the tears and sorrow are great memories about the distinct revolutionary personality; who has made a distinct impact as he leaves us. We have heard that legacy amongst his family. He leaves a legacy amongst the communities in Johannesburg."
Makhubo had a long political history, having risen from the ranks of the ANC Youth League, and eventually serving as a Member of the mMayoral Committee for finance under former Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau.
Family Spokesperson Moses Makhubo saidthey are saddened by his sudden death.
"He was a person who was very forgiving and very giving at the same time. He was a person who never wanted to see people struggling, especially elderly people. I remember at one stage out of his own pocket, he donated blankets and food parcels, before this issue of food parcels became popular in government," he said.
Earlier in the week, the African National Congress (ANC) described Makhubo as humble, yet fierce opponent of the apartheid regime", adding that death had robbed the liberation movement of a dedicated and committed servant of the people.