@scrollaafrica Mourning residents of Alexandrians flocked to the township’s San Kopano hall, where they celebrated the life of councillor Moshe Mphahlele. #Funeral #EFF #Alex ♬ original sound – Scrolla.Africa
By Everson Luhanga
Dozens of mourning residents of Alexandrians flocked to the township’s San Kopano hall, where they celebrated the life of councillor Moshe Mphahlele.
Mphahlele was killed on Sunday night when he responded to a service delivery complaint from residents in the township who were trying to occupy residential containers built by the City of Johannesburg in 2020 during the Covid lockdown.
The containers have been standing empty, with the city spending millions to pay for security to protect them from illegal occupation by destitute residents of the poor and overpopulated township.
The memorial service was attended by EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, council speaker Margaret Arnolds, and many senior EFF leaders including MPs Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Omphile Maotwe.
Shivambu said Mphahlele was always at the forefront of activism in helping people.
“He was a humble man. He always put people first,” said Shivambu.
Gwamanda said: “A giant has fallen and we will miss him.”
Arnolds said Moshe was unique in the way he tackled issues affecting the city.
“He was committed to his community, his party, and the city,” she said.
She urged the MMC for public safety to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
Representatives from many political parties, including ActionSA, Umkhonto Wesizwe and the Patriotic Alliance, also attended the service.
Neighbour and close friend of Mphahlele, David Futhane, said the fallen councillor was a giant of Alexandra and of the greater Johannesburg.
“Moshe loved and smiled with all people, not only from his party but across all parties,” he said.
“He always put the needs of the people first. He always put political differences aside. He was fearless and died with his boots on.”
He called on Fighters in the township to take over from where he had left off.
Family member Mishack Pootona said Moshe died for what he passionately loved.
Pictured above: Crowds gathered at the memorial service of Moshe Mphahlele.
Source: Everson Luhanga
