Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Orlando East Communal Hall to pay their last respect to Department of Human Settlement regional director, Thulani Nkosi on September 21.
Nkosi who passed away after struggling with a short illness started his career journey with the Department of Human Settlement and moved to the City of Johannesburg in 1995.
He was well kwon in the political sphere for his passion and breadth of expertise and also became a pillar for those who relayed on his leadership.
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Nkosi was well-versed in policy, laws and bylaws as well as how to give practical effect to the constitutional task of providing quality housing to the city’s residents.
During his career, he oversaw the successful upgrade of numerous informal and semi-formal settlements, culminating in him playing a leading role in executing the City’s Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme.
Executive director of the Department of Housing, Patrick Phophi lamented the loss of a “brother” whom he started working with more than two decades earlier and had schooled hum as well as learnt with him about the aspects of housing.
“Nkosi had never given himself enough time off to heal from his illness due to his love and commitment for work and his sudden passing had come as an enormous blow, both personally and professionally,” Phophi said.
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The MMC for human settlement, Cllr Anthea Leitch conveyed her and the department’s condolences to Nkosi’s family, friends and colleagues.
“It was clear from the outpouring of grief and admiration that he had been an extraordinary person. Nkosi was a master at engaging communities and building social compacts.
“He has definitely left a gap in our department that will be difficult to fill. From the few interactions we had, I identified him as ‘the quiet man’ before I knew his name, but now I know he was only the quiet man in my presence,” Cllr Leitch said.
Leitch added that Nkosi has showed her respect from the start even though he was so many years her senior and made her feel welcomed.
“In the short time that I have been in this role, I have seen the importance of the work Nkosi did. Providing adequate and sustainable housing for our city’s residents is not just a task; it is a moral obligation.
“He understood this and carried out his responsibilities with that in mind. As we gather here to remember Nkosi, let us not only mourn his passing but also celebrate his legacy.
“His dedication to our city and its people should serve as an inspiration to all of us who continue to work towards making Johannesburg a better place for all its residents.”
