Johannesburg Mayoral spokesperson Mlimandlela Ndamase says the late Executive Mayor, Jolidee Matongo, aspired to ensure that the city has a functional service delivery system.
Matongo was killed in a car crash while on his way home from an African National Congress (ANC) voter registration drive in Soweto on Saturday evening.
Three people died in the incident, which reportedly took place after a bakkie that was trying to avoid a pedestrian, crashed into Matongo’s car.
Ndamase says Matongo wanted a responsive city administration.
“When he became Mayor, one of the most outstanding things that he continuously said is we must be an administration that is responsive to the city, that does not mean someone must call the Mayor to get a pothole fixed or street lights to be fixed once a complaint by residents has been launched. He wanted to make sure Johannesburg will be driven to be a world-class African city, as we would want to see it.”
Tributes pour in for Jolidee Matongo:
Matongo was elected unopposed to this position on August 10, 2021, following the passing of his predecessor Geoff Makhubo a month earlier.
Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to Mayor Matongo’s family, friends, colleagues and comrades, and the residents of the City of Johannesburg.
In a statement, the President says, “It is hard to comprehend this tragedy, given the vitality and passion with which Mayor Matongo interacted with me and residents of Soweto so shortly before his death. Nothing could prepare any of us for this sudden loss, which has deprived our nation’s economic centre of its second Executive Mayor in two months.”
#JoburgUpdates @Speaker_CoJ of Council mourns tragic loss of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr @matongo_jolidee
City of Johannesburg Speaker of Council, Cllr Nonceba Molwele is deeply saddened by the tragic death of City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Jolidee Matongo. pic.twitter.com/SLNfilsdED
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) September 19, 2021
‘Matongo was a committed and selfless activist’
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has described Matongo as a committed and selfless activist who dedicated his time to the overall improvement of the quality of life of the people of Gauteng.
Makhura says the passing of Matongo has left him shocked and shattered.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Matongo and the children, his extended family, friends and comrades,” says Makhura.
In the video below, President says Jolidee Matongo’s death is a big blow to him:
I love you my brother, please greet our friend Castro More. pic.twitter.com/45wHJPvQRQ
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) September 18, 2021
Mayor Matongo’s passing has left me shocked and shattered. I send my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Matongo and children, his extended family, friends and comrades. pic.twitter.com/NKEcmpnfmb
— David Makhura (@David_Makhura) September 18, 2021
Very humble and committed #MCSA Member #JolideeMatongo
Church Sundays was always on his busy schedule a former @WesleyGuildSA Chairperson and committed Wesley Guild Veteran member pic.twitter.com/RBx4JABmwi— Ayanda Dlamini (@Ayanda6Dlamini) September 18, 2021
