The DA has confirmed a civic memorial service will be held for the late Ward 43 councillor Bruce Reid tomorrow (October 28) at the Boksburg Civic Centre.
Reid (52), who died at his Primrose home on October 20, has been hailed as a councillor of the people who served his community and residents with dignity and distinction.
The City of Ekurhuleni described him as someone known for being vocal and impassioned when speaking on issues close to his heart.
Ward 22 councillor Ruhan Robinson, who was very close to Reid, said he has lost a friend and mentor.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Robinson said he met Reid in 2011 when he was elected as his ward councillor and he became a member of his branch.
“He was an intelligent, fair and an opinionated person,” he said. “We often debated issues, where to an onlooker it seemed as though we were fighting, but actually we were just loudly persuading each other, as he would put it. I definitely appreciated the honesty of such debates.”
He shared that the last time he met with Reid was on October 9, when they went to an event of the DA’s interim federal leader, John Steenhuisen.
Meanwhile, over the years that they had known each other, Robinson said that Reid taught him not to take criticism personally but to rather take it as a chance to learn how to handle situations.
“He would say don’t allow people to walk all over you. He would encourage me that when things go wrong, I must remain calm and figure out what’s my next move,” Robinson said.
Council held an extraordinary sitting on October 21 and declared a civic memorial will be held for Reid.
This is in line with council’s funeral policy.
Reid was due to receive his aldermanship, which will now be bestowed posthumously.
“Councillor Bruce Reid’s presence will be missed in council. Heartfelt condolences to the Reid family, friends and the DA caucus during this trying time,” said the City of Ekurhuleni Legislature in a statement.
Reid, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, joined the DA in 2009 and in 2011 was elected into council and served as a councillor in the DA Ekurhuleni caucus since.
With a strong passion for finance, he served as the DA Shadow MMC for Finance from 2016, as well as on the rules committee of council.
During this difficult time the following DA councillors will assist the residents of Ward 43:
• Sunward Park and Freeway Park – Clr Ruhan Robinson (079 816 1515)
• Dawn Park, Windmill Park and Groeneweide – Clr Marius de Vos (081 524 6950)
• Clr Ashley Hoods (083 607 5724) will be available for support and help.
Also Read: Ward councillor Bruce Reid dies at 52
Also Read: Clr Reid insists all efforts have been made to help the Windmill Park community
