Since the 2016 local government elections, Mogale City has had three executive mayors. The possibility is that, by the end of the five-year term, the City would have had four executive mayors. This is unprecedented. But I digress.
Mogale City is mourning the death of its first citizen, the Executive Mayor Naga Patrick Lipudi. Lipudi’s death was sudden and untimely. He was only 59 years old and still had a lot to offer. But it was not to be.
On Sunday , 12 January, I was in church attending the morning service. Then our pastor announced that he received sad news that the Executive Mayor of Mogale City had passed away that morning. I was shocked!
I have had an opportunity to interact with Mayor Lipudi one-on-one, and in a group format. He was quite a determined and hard-working politician. More than that, he was a people’s person. Hence the label ‘the People’s Mayor’.
Lipudi originated from Rustenburg in North West. He came to Gauteng to search for greener pastures. When he arrived, he resided in a hostel popularly known as Mnqandashe in Lenwyn. He also worked for Mogale City as an ordinary worker.
After the second local government elections, he became an independent councillor. The ANC then poached him and he joined the liberation movement. In the ANC, he served in various positions. He was the former regional secretary of the ANC in the West Rand Region, Chief Whip of the West Rand District Municipality, Speaker of Mogale City Local Municipality and ultimately the Executive Mayor of Mogale City.
When he assumed the position of Mayor in Mogale City, he invited me for a one-one-one meeting. That was the beginning of our relationship. After that, he invited me to the State of the City Address in 2018. Not only that, he also mentioned my name in his speech. That was a great honour.
The Mogale City Executive Mayor also supported my craft. He bought my three books – 10 of each. He also graced the launch of my second book with his presence. Lipudi was accessible and always available to the community of the City.
He felt comfortable among the masses and attended many community events. He also forged strong relations with the faith-based organisations in Mogale City. His death is a great loss to the community of Mogale City. May his beautiful soul rest in perfect peace!
