Daveyton bids farewell to Alderman Vivienne Chauke
Before joining government, Chauke was active in community activism and later became a co-founder of the Daveyton Civic Association in the early 1990s, now known as the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO).
Daveyton resident and former MMC for Community Safety in Ekurhuleni, Vivienne Chauke, will receive a civic burial following her passing on June 6.
The Ekurhuleni Council announced on June 11 that Alderman Chauke would be honoured in accordance with the City of Ekurhuleni civic burial policy.
Her funeral will take place at Isidingo TVET College on June 14 from 08:00.
Chauke, affectionately known as ‘MaOlady’, was one of the longest-serving councillors in the democratic dispensation.
The ANC in Ekurhuleni, through its Regional Task Team (RTT), described Chauke as a stalwart of the liberation struggle and a tireless public servant.
She served as the first deputy mayor of Greater Benoni before the historic amalgamation of nine towns and eleven administrations into what is now the City of Ekurhuleni in 2000.
ANC RTT coordinator Jongizizwe Dlabathi said Chauke played a key role in shaping post-apartheid democratic local government in the region.
“Her fingerprints are indelibly marked in the foundations of this metro. Chauke served the movement and the people of Ekurhuleni with distinction in many capacities. She was a long-serving ward councillor, MMC for the human settlements and community safety departments, and chairperson of the Section 79 oversight committee on community safety.
“Her commitment to the principles of democratic governance, accountability, and development was unmatched. She was a proud member of the South African Communist Party and the ANC’s Ward 70 Zinobia Mhlongo branch in Daveyton.
“A loyal servant of the people and a courageous woman, her presence in Council and the community was always felt – whether through her strategic leadership, sense of humour, or her passion for community safety,” said Dlabathi.
Before entering government, Chauke was active in community activism and later co-founded the Daveyton Civic Association in the early
1990s, now known as the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO).
In a press release, SANCO stated that Chauke was more than an activist – she was a living institution of struggle and service.
“Her life’s work reflects the very essence of our democratic project: the pursuit of dignity, justice, and empowerment for all, especially the poor and marginalised.
“Chauke’s most enduring contribution was her role as a mentor and mother figure to young people, particularly young women in Daveyton and across Ekurhuleni. She believed the struggle must regenerate itself by empowering the next generation of leaders.
“She actively created space for young women to rise within civic and political structures, offering political education, strategic mentorship, and unwavering support. Many young women in the ANC Youth League, SANCO Youth, and broader activist circles attribute their growth and confidence to her nurturing influence.”
The statement added that Chauke was a pillar of inspiration, reminding young people that revolutionary leadership is not about positions, but about purpose, principles, and proximity to the people.
Her memorial service was held on June 12 at Oasis Christian Church in Daveyton.
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