The People’s Mayor remembered
The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with most joining virtually while a limited number of people were present inside the Council Chambers.
On Thursday, July 29 a Special Council Meeting in honour of the late Executive Mayor, Councillor Geoffrey Molantoa Makhubo was held. For the first time leaders of various political parties represented in the Council agreed that they lost ‘the People’s Mayor’.
“The mighty tree of the City of Joburg has fallen indeed,” were some of the sombre words that reverberated in the Council Chambers in Braamfontein, as leaders remembered the time and life of the late mayor.
“It is very sad when someone you know becomes someone you knew. I wish I could take all this pain and sorrow from all of you – the family, fellow councillors, officials and the citizens of Johannesburg,” Speaker of Council, Councillor Nonceba Molwele said after officially opening the special meeting.
The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with most joining virtually while a limited number of people were present inside the Council Chambers. This is in line with adjusted level 3 regulations. Only the family of the late Mayor Geoff, some councillors and officials physically attended the memorial service.
“With Councillor Geoff Makhubo’s passing, we’ve lost one of the eminent sons of the great City of Johannesburg. We have lost one of the frontline combatants in the struggle for a better city – a city that is more inclusive and a city where no one is left behind. We have also lost a true revolutionary to whom many accolades are due,” said ANC councillor Mpho Moerane.
Moerane described late mayor as “…an outstanding leader of our people – a leader who was always hands-on, who was forever ready to serve, who led from the front, a leader who lived in and among the people”.
“One thing I appreciated about Geoff was his constant availability. He always picked up his phone and was available for meetings. He had a sense of humour, and I always appreciated the fact that we spoke often. As human beings we could have informal engagements. We always disagreed, but he treated us equally,” said DA Joburg Caucus Leader, Leah Knott.
Keitumetse Makhubo, the daughter to the late mayor, remembered her father as the most courageous person she knew.
“We would like to urge the City to continue with his legacy of transforming other townships like Orange Farm, Ivory Park, and Alexandra to be like Soweto,” said Keitumetse.
