Lamenting the loss of a friend

Editor – I met Mr Gerald Heine just over eight years ago.

I will never forget the day I marched into a ward committee meeting really upset and shouted at everyone about the lack of service delivery in ward 66.

That is when I met Mr Heine who was part of the committee.

The man understood my frustrations and he spoke to me. He said if I wanted to send my message across I should join the ward committee.

I did so. Funny enough, we became friends… two people from two different lifestyles… we became friends.

We became friends because we had a common goal. I liked the guy.

We served in the ward committee for nearly five years and had respect for each another.

I must say I have never come across a gentleman with as much knowledge and contacts within council structures as Mr Heine.

He was a man who worked for this community for many years, never expecting anything back. That is a rare quality in a man. He did not just make a noise, he became involved. He would get his hands dirty and followed his issues through. Not many people can say that about themselves.

Mr Heine left us with a legacy of commitment and hard work. We should follow his example.

Mr Heine taught me a lot and I can say I am what I am today because of him.

Mr Heine has made a huge impact on my life. He is probably the person most responsible for me being a ward councillor today.

I lament the loss of a friend. Although I only knew him for a short period, it is as if I have known him my whole life.

I am going to miss the old guy and I must say that us, the community, have lost ourselves a great community champion.

Clr Carlos da Rocha,

Ward 66.