The ANC Greater Johannesburg Region, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and community members are mourning the loss of ward councillor Simphiwe Oscar Simelane, who passed away on May 12.

Simelane served Ward 19 in Soweto.

A statement released by the ANC Greater Johannesburg Region said the late councillor dedicated his life to serving the people and worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions of communities.

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“The ANC Greater Johannesburg Region conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, comrades and residents of Ward 19 during this difficult period of mourning.”

“We share in your pain and stand in solidarity with all those affected by the profound loss,” read the statement.

Community members and those close to him flooded social media, describing him as a dedicated man and a gentle giant.

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Clr Margaret Arnolds, Speaker of Council for the City of Johannesburg, also extended condolences to all political parties represented in council, emphasising the shared loss felt by the institution in a statement.

“The CoJ Council mourns alongside the ANC and all colleagues who served with Councillor Simelane.”

“We recognise the contribution made to the work of council and to the communities he represented,” said Arnolds.

“The family has yet to provide further information”.