The event, chaired by KTVR public relations director Buti Mahlangu, was an emotional and spirit-filled public memorial service, attended by friends‚ family, colleagues and community members, who came in their numbers to commemorate the life of the late taxi boss.
Also in attendance were Ekurhuleni Head of Department for Transport Lusanda Madikizela, the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) chairman in the Ekurhuleni region Peter Mashego, KTVR Bus Services chairperson Kenneth Mtshali, representatives of various taxi associations and local pastors.
All the speakers at the memorial spoke highly of the 53-year-old Forster, describing him as a young man who put the community first and dedicated his life to uplifting communities and improving public transport services in Ekurhuleni. They thanked the family for sharing a selfless man with the community as he served in the transport industry for more than 24 years.
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Speaking at the event, one of Forster’s colleagues, Dennis Smith, said he was still shocked at what had happened to Forster. “It’s too much for me. The number of members we have lost in this way is too much to bear,” said Smith.
Forster took over as the chairperson of the association after the former chairperson, Andy Khoza, was also gunned down along Elsburg Road, between Ramaphosa and Reiger Park.
Forster’s son, Dave, described his father as a God-fearing man who treated people with respect and humility. “What my father would have liked us to do is to continue the good work he started in the community. This is what he would have liked for us to inherit from him and continue his legacy,” said Forster’s son.
A Reiger Park Taxi Association member, Terence Forster, said the late Forster took the position described by many members of the association as a ‘hot seat’.
According to Terence, when the association was looking for a replacement for Khoza, many members were reluctant because they feared for their lives.
Forster said they used to be a peaceful association, but in 2014 a dark cloud arrived and has been hanging over the association ever since. Describing the situation faced by the industry, he said it’s as though there is a hawk hovering in the sky, waiting to swoop down on its prey.
Santaco’s Peter Mashego said many people in the association have been killed and he doesn’t understand why the police failed to pick on up the latest attack before it happened, as it had probably been planned.
“Perhaps there are people in the police force who do not want to do their work… that is why we are here today, because of the same thing.
Whether taxi violence is related to murder or not, every life is important. Whether you are a rich person or a hawker, your life is important and it is the government’s responsibility to protect us,” said Mashego, who also urged taxi operators and the community at large to watch each other’s back. “Our condolences go to the family. May the good Lord look after you, the Forster family
Lusanda Madikizela said Forster was a member of the team working with the Ekurhuleni metro to ensure the bus rapid transit (BRT) system, Harambee, becomes a success.
“Forster played a vital role in ensuring the project becomes a success. He has run his race and we want to say ‘go well’,” said Madikizela.
Since Forster was shot and killed in Katlehong on Sunday morning, friends and family have been gathering daily at his house and a local church to pay their respects to him.
Dave told attendees that the main funeral service will take place at the Reiger Park Civic Centre on Saturday, September 9 at 10am, before they proceed to the Boksburg Cemetery, where Forster will be laid to rest.
The divorcee Forster leaves behind his four children, one daughter and three sons.
No arrest has been made in connection with his death.
