She died at the Union Hospital in Alberton on August 10 after a short illness.
Chief whip of council, Jongiziizwe Dlabathi, gave a brief overlook of Maama’s background and how he got into politics.
“Maama was born in Tsakane in 1973 and was recruited into politics when he joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in 1984 at the tender age of 11 and was the youngest primary school pupil to be allowed to join the student movement at that time. He later moved to Katlehong where he earned the nickname “Mokaba” due to his political aptitude,” said Dlabathi.
The speaker, who shared the podium during the ceremony, described Maama as a humble person who had his ward’s best interest at heart.
David Shabalala, who spoke on behalf of friends and neighbours, said there are so many things she could say about Maama.
“But if I can only single out one thing about him it was that he travelled to work with public transport. Most of the councillors at his age don’t do that,” said Shabalala.
He said Maama loved the people he was given to lead and had their best interest at heart.
Makhosi Phosa, a social auxiliary worker from Khatha Dropping Centre, said Maama supported NGO’s in his ward.
“He was in support of our organisation and other organisations in the area. He liked to speak the truth and no one would stray him from the truth. The community of Ward 59 lost a great man,” said Phosa.
She said they planned to celebrate Mandela Day with Maama but she couldn’t because she fell ill a few days before the event.
Siyabong Kolase, a youth sector leader of Ward 59, said Maama loved the people in his ward.
“He not only loved those who loved him but those who did not love him as well. He dealt well with unruly people during community meetings,” said Kolase.
Kolase said he personally admired Maama’s leadership skills.
“No one is like him.”
“There are people in this ward who are fighting for Maama’s position already. They go around telling people they want to take his position. How could one say such a thing at a time like this? He is not even buried yet,” Kolase said.
He advised those people to wait for elections.
Ekurhuleni speaker of council, Clr Patricia Kumalo, said they were there to celebrate a life well lived.
“I can personally describe Maama as an inquisitive and conscious person. As a leader, he exemplified the principles of ubuntu. Maama lived his life devoted to the liberation movement and his track record as an activist shows his commitment to fighting for freedom. He was a critical member in the structures that fought the system of apartheid in Ekurhuleni. His passing has dealt a blow to the community as he was a valued member who served in the institution as a deployed councillor of the ANC,” Khumalo said.
Members of Ekurhuleni city council, former mayors of Ekurhuleni municipality Duma Nkosi and Mondli Gongobele, the community and ANC members in Ward 59 came in their numbers to pay respect to their fallen hero.
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