By Doreen Mokgolo
The former executive mayor of Tshwane, Murunwa Makwarela, 52, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning shortly after being admitted to hospital for an undisclosed condition.
It is alleged he had been battling depression since he was removed from office.
The genetic engineer, academic and businessman served as Tshwane council speaker and was elected mayor on 28 February 2023.
Makwarela resigned as mayor and from politics after he was found to have submitted a fake insolvency rehabilitation certificate.
He was charged with fraud and was released on R10,000 bail in April 2023.
At the time of his passing the metro was still trying to recover the R1.4-million he earned during his time in office.
He was dismissed by the metro just a few days after being appointed to the position.
Makwarela, who also held the title of “apostle,” went on to focus on his church’s Righteousness of God Ministries and regularly posted religious messages on social media.
His last message from the Book of John in the Bible was shared on social media on Monday. It reads, in part: “Let’s all win souls back to God so that one day we’ll all be together with our master in His heavenly Jerusalem.”
Tshwane mayor, Cilliiers Brink, said he was saddened to learn of Makwarela’s passing.
In a Facebook message, he wrote: “Whatever the differences we might have had, and the controversy of his tenure, I am saddened by his passing. I pray God will comfort his family and bring them peace.”
Cope’s general secretary, Eric Mohlapamaswi, said that although Makwarela was no longer a member of the political party, they were saddened by his passing.
“No human being deserves to die. We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family,” he said.
Pictured above: Dr Murunwa Makwarela.
Image source: Supplied
