HUNDREDS of mourners who included politicians paid their last respects to former Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Mthuthuzeli Siboza.
Mthuthuzeli was bestowed a civic funeral by Ekurhuleni Municipality and the funeral service was held at Vosloorus Civic Centre in Ekurhuleni on Sunday, 1 October.
The 62-year-old from Vosloorus in Ekurhuleni died at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital on Tuesday, 26 September after a short illness.
Speakers described him as a selfless and fearless leader who dedicated his life to serving the community.
Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi said he has known Mthuthuzeli for 30 years. He said it's difficult to describe the pain and sadness in his heart as he bid farewell to a dear friend and compatriot.
He said:
Our hearts may beat but our thoughts are troubled. Here lies the body of a man who was upper right, he was committed to our course. Mthuthuzeli stood for reality, truth and principles.
He said in the 30 years of friendship with Mthuthuzeli, he has never met a comrade who was scared of a challenge.
"He was fearless, he loved our movement, he cared for the vulnerable," he said.
Lesufi said he remembered vividly when Mthuthuzeli started his guitar lessons.
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"We just concluded the discussion of an amalgamation of all municipalities in this region. He was not among the people who were not elected to the mayoral committee list.
"When he could not make it to those who were selected, he chose music instead of war. He was a great leader. Go well my cadre, till we meet again," he said.
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele said Mthuthuzeli was a fearless leader.
He said: "He led the safety in this region with a plough, who intervened fearlessly any crises. No burning tyres could deter Mthumthuzeli.
"He was the first to be there to listen to people's problems whenever there were service deliver protects in Ekurhuleni. I'm not surprised that Premier Lesufi appointed him as one of the guys to intervene."
Ekurhuleni mayor, Sivuyile Ngodwana said Mthuthuzeli's journey in the City of Ekurhuleni began in 2000 where he served as councillor and a PR councillor.
He said:
We mourn the loss of a great leader, let us also celebrate his life. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our city and his memory will continue to inspire us in our endeavors to build a strong, more inclusive and prosperous Ekurhuleni.
Eric Xayiya said Mthuthuzeli used to allow them to host meetings at his home.
"My best friend loved everyone, even his family knew that he dedicated his life to the ANC. During the looting in our area, me and Mthuthuzeli went out to talk to the youth to stop it. His leadership role will be solely missed," said Eric.
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Mthuthuzeli's daughter, Nonkululeko Siboza said she is heartbroken. "I think a part of me died on Tuesday when my father passed away.
"Whenever, I had problems, he was my comforter. He told me that challenges are part of our lives," she said.
Mthuthuzeli was laid to rest at Rondebult Cemetery, in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
