DA councillor from Bela-Bela dies in clinic

Masemola was a municipal councillor who held a Proportional Representative (PR) seat at the local municipal council since her induction in 2016.

According to her colleague, Frans Mothokwa, DA PR-councillor, Masemola battled with chronic diabetes and high blood pressure for a number of years.

These conditions contributed to her demise. The precise cause of her passing is still unclear.

“She was a friendly person, hardworking and although she did not tolerate lazy people, she never showed anger, but rather motivated staff to increase their productivity,” Mothokwa said.

Masemola resided in Leseding (Ward 2) in the Bela-Bela township. She was known for her caring attitude towards children, women and the elderly, and was an active member of the DA’s Women’s Network (DAWN).

Masemola was involved in countless community projects where food and school necessities were donated to people in need. She also raised funds and donated without hesitance to people with disabilities.

Desireé van der Walt, Member of Parliament and the DA’s constituency head, told The Post that Masemola was a true activist.

“She had compassion for the people in places like Zuma View and other surrounding areas. She completed several extra courses on municipal matters to enable her to increase her applied skills to the benefit of constituents and was so dedicated that she took up embroidery classes to help other residents become independent.”

Masemola was the mother to two girls and one boy, but kept her personal life mostly private, said Mothokwa.

With the DA having a vacant seat on the council, Masemola’s passing will soon be reported to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in order to appoint a new councillor.

“The municipal manager will proclaim the vacancy whereafter the DA will then follow their own processes. It will give our existing PR list candidates a chance to apply for the position and a panel will approve the candidate and send recommendations to our provincial management,” Van der Walt said.

Masemola’s funeral arrangements were not made public by the time the newspaper went to print.