WATCH: Emotional mass send-off for Acting CEO of Gauteng EMS

Author, Chuck Palahniuk said, “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will,” and this is exactly what Kgati Malebana did.

Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Acting CEO, Kgati Malebana, sadly passed away at 46-years-old on the evening of Tuesday, 27 October.

The Gauteng Department of Health said they were shocked at the news of his passing and were sending their deepest condolences to everyone who knew him. Malebana’s colleagues described him as an outspoken foot soldier to whom no task was too big or too small.

Acting EMS Head of Department, Lesiba Malotana, referred to Malabena as highly skilled and passionate, with a strong work ethic and a passion for his job. She concluded by saying, “We have lost a true leader at a critical time in our organisation”.

Malebana held several senior positions in both the private and public sectors, but the mark he left was on those who knew him, including Ward 70 councillor, Caleb Finn. Caleb shared his sincerest condolences with the family, friends, and colleagues of Malebana, reiterating his professionalism and dedication to his work, especially as a paramedic.

“He was a leader who committed his life in service of others. Gauteng EMS will be poorer without him,” said Caleb.

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Caleb concluded by saying that senior civil servants of Malebana’s standard are few and far between. “We were blessed to have him. I pray and trust that those who are left behind will carry on the good work that he started.”

The well-loved West Rand resident is survived by his wife and three children. A send-off like no other took Roodepoort and Krugersdorp by storm, as Malebana’s body was collected from the Roodepoort Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) building on Thursday, 29 October, and taken to his home in Noordheuwel for his family to pay their last respects to him.

His casket was given a king’s send-off and was escorted to Limpopo by Gauteng EMS, Netcare 911, ER24 and Limpopo EMS for his funeral service on Saturday, 31 October.

A memorial service for the departed will be held on Wednesday, 4 November, for one final goodbye.