WATCH: ‘A sad day for the City’ − Tributes pour in for former Tshwane mayor Murunwa Makwarela

Former Tshwane mayor Murunwa Makwarela has died.

In a WhatsApp message seen by The Citizen and forwarded to politicians in the city, it is said that Makwarela died on Tuesday morning following a “short illness”.

“Dear family, we woke up to sad news this morning. Apostle Makwarela is late. He passed on early this morning”.

The message asked for prayer and strength to his wife and family.

Current mayor Cillier Brink paid tribute to Makwarela, saying he was saddened to hear of his passing.

“Whatever the differences we might have had, and the controversy of his tenure, I am saddened by his passing. I pray that God will comfort his family, and bring them peace.”

Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana said it was a “sad day for the city”.

Watch his comments below.

[VIDEO] Tshwane Speaker of Council, Cllr. Mncedi Ndzwanana pays tribute to the late former Tshwane mayor Dr Murunwa Makwarela who passes away.@CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/RW1pUR0eBQ

— Cllr Mncedi Ndzwanana, Speaker of City of Tshwane (@TshwaneSpeaker) April 23, 2024

“It is also a sad day for the Office of the Speaker. He is my predecessor. I took over from him, and I continue where he left off.

“I would like to offer my condolences to his family and the residents of Tshwane”.

A two-week mayor

The former Tshwane Speaker of Council was appointed mayor in February 2023, replacing Randall Williams.

READ MORE: Former Tshwane Mayor Murunwa Makwarela surrenders to police

However, his time in office was short-lived after revelations that he had been declared insolvent in 2016. This would make him ineligible for public office.

He submitted a certificate allegedly proving his successful rehabilitation, but the court which was said to have issued the document disputed this.

A case of fraud was later opened against him by the city.

ALSO READ: Authenticity of Tshwane Mayor Makwarela’s clearance certificate to be investigated

Makwarela appeared in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court last week, where he failed to have the matter struck off the roll.

News24 reported that prosecutors asked the court for a postponement so the case could be set down for trial.

Additional reporting by Itumeleng Mafisa and Molefe Seeletsa.