Described as humble by many, tributes are continuing to pour in for the passing of the former executive mayor of Joburg Mpho Moerane.
The former mayor succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday evening from a car crash last week.
Moerane served briefly as the mayor after the passing of previous mayor Jolidee Matonga last year.
He was currently serving as leader of the official opposition in the City of Johannesburg.
President Cyril Ramaphosa sent condolences to the family and friends of Moerane today.
“This is a sad day for Johannesburg and for the nation as we mourn the passing of the vibrant young leader,” he said
Ramaphosa said that Moerane was an entrepreneurial, multi-skilled leader who placed his talents and creative energy at the disposal of the citizens of Johannesburg.
Gauteng Human Settlements, Urban Planning and CoGTA MEC Lebogang Maile said he is deeply saddened by the passing of Moerane.
“On behalf of the Gauteng provincial government we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Moerane family; his colleagues in the Municipal Council and his organisation, the African National Congress”, said Maile.
Maile said that Moerane had distinguished himself as a consummate and hardworking public office bearer.
He continued to say that Moerane was a leader, leading a highly effective and servant orientated opposition in making sure that service delivery reaches Johannesburg’s citizens, especially in poor and working class communities.
Maile visited the Moerane family to extend the provincial government's condolences while the ANC Caucus in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature expressed shock and was saddened by the passing of ANC Johannesburg Regional Treasurer Moerane.
“We dip our revolutionary banner in honour of this humble and soft spoken patriot and selfless servant of the people of Johannesburg and Gauteng. We are not only saddened by his untimely passing but we feel we have been robbed of a dedicated and committed foot soldier of the people of Johannesburg and a dependable instrument for service delivery,” said Chief Whip Mzi Khumalo.
ANC Greater Joburg Region secretary Dada Morero said Moerane will be remembered for his lifelong activism, and for dedicating his youth to the ANC.
“He leaves behind a legacy of having championed the call by President Oliver Tambo to make apartheid unworkable and our country ungovernable in his days as a youth activist. His passing is a great loss to the Movement, and society at large. We are forever grateful for his contribution in bettering the ANC both in Government and as a movement,” said Morero.