Family, friends and community members gathered to remember the life of late Diepkloof Ext community leader Lucas Dikobe Molaba (61), whose commitment to serving residents was honoured during a memorial service on August 13.

The service held at Molaba’s home brought together members of the Diepkloof community and the Diepkloof Concerned Community (DCC) group, who reflected on Molaba’s contribution and his dedication to advocating for residents.

DCC is a service-delivery community WhatsApp group that was created in 2022. The members are mainly Diepkloof residents, and they collectively raise service delivery issues and report them to the city.

Molaba joined the DCC in 2024 and was later nominated as its coordinator for Diepkloof Ext. In the role, he worked closely with residents, helping mobilise the community around issues including housing, municipal services, safety and other challenges affecting families in the area.

During the memorial, speakers described Molaba as a dedicated community worker and servant leader who was willing to engage directly with residents.

DCC convener and founder Thabiso Mollo paid tribute to Molaba, describing him as more than just a member of the community.

 “Comrade Lucas was not just a member of our community. He was a leader, a servant, and a voice for the people of Diepkloof. His commitment was evident in his willingness to attend community meetings, go door-to-door and stand alongside residents facing challenges. He didn’t serve for titles. He served because he cared,” Mollo said.

Mollo urged community members to continue the work Molaba had started and to maintain unity in Diepkloof Ext.

“Comrade Lucas taught us that leadership is about showing up. And he showed up every time.”

Molaba’s younger brother, Bennet, said the family is distraught by his passing.

“My brother was a very active person from a young age. From his school years until now, he has been involved in assisting the community, and as a result, he eventually became a member of DCC.

“Helping residents has been part of his life as an activist. He was particularly known for resolving community disputes. Recently, he managed to help an elderly resident retain her home after she nearly lost it in a scam. Being the activist that he was, he stepped in and assisted,” he said.

Molaba was a father of five and a grandfather of three.

“His wife passed away three years ago, and he is survived by his father, two brothers, one sister, as well as his children and grandchildren. His death was completely unexpected because, when we last saw him at Bara Hospital, we thought he would soon be discharged.

He had been ill for some time and had gone for his regular check-ups when he was admitted.“This is a great loss for us because we lost our other brother in 2025.

“This is a devastating blow to the family. It has not been easy, and we are particularly worried about our father because we are not sure how he is coping with the loss. We believe that parents should bury their children, but it seems the opposite is happening in our family.”

Bennet expressed gratitude to residents and members of the DCC for their support during this difficult time.

Molaba was laid to rest on August 15.