Late Cogta head remembered as “dedicated and passionate”

Gauteng provincial government has suffered yet another loss of a prominent leader due to coronavirus-related complications.

Tributes continue to pour in for the late Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) head Bongani Gxilishe who succumbed to Covid-19-related complications on Friday.

Gauteng premier David Makhura described the passing of Gxilishe as great sorrow and untimely.

Gxilishe assumed his responsibilities as the Cogta head in 2019 and formed part of the team that oversaw the dissolution of the Tshwane metro last year.

“Gxilishe was one of the most seasoned senior officials in our country and a respected former student leader. He was in the centre of implementing the District Development Model (DDM), a programme that places local government in the centre of development,” he said.

“He set up structures in communities as a response to Covid-19 and understood the integral role of communities in defeating the deadly coronavirus. As a true activist, he placed his skills in the service of South Africans.

“On behalf of the provincial government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the HoD’s wife, Sis Thami, their children and the rest of the Gxilishe family, friends and colleagues. We will deeply miss his humbleness, firm hand and discipline,” Makhura concluded.

Gauteng legislature portfolio committee on Cogta and human settlement chairperson Kedibone Diale described Gxilishe’s passing as heartbreaking.

“He displayed utmost dedication and passion in serving the people of Gauteng in ensuring development within local government through the various programmes he led and implemented.

“ At the time of his passing, Gxilishe led implementation of the mobile Covid-19 vaccination drive in municipalities. This programme is ensuring a large number of the Gauteng population from disadvantaged communities are transported to vaccination centres to receive their injections,” she said.

READ MORE: People aged 35-49 can now walk in to vaccinate in Tshwane

Having worked closely with Gxilishe, Cogta MEC Lebogang Maile said Gxilishe succumbed to Covid-19 after being hospitalised for a brief period.

“As the Gauteng government we are shattered by the passing away of HoD Gxilishe. His unblemished track record as a leader in government speaks to his selfless dedication and commitment to public service,” he said.

He said Gxilishe executed his responsibilities with dedication and an “unflinching loyalty to the public office.

“Prior to joining the Gauteng Government, he was the head of Department for the Eastern Cape’s Department of Roads and Transport and the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism.”

“His absence will be deeply felt,” Maile said.

The passing of Gxilishe follows that of Johannesburg mayor Geoff Makhubo who also succumbed due to coronavirus complications on July 9.

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