Ekurhuleni MMC Andile Mngwevu, who was found dead in Mozambique, hailed as a dedicated leader
City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has described Andile Mngwevu, the city’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Planning, as a dedicated public servant following his death in Mozambique.
Mngwevu went missing earlier this month while travelling in Mozambique, when the vehicle he was in was swept away during severe flooding in the Chókwè area.
The Mngwevu family confirmed his death on Tuesday, expressing deep sorrow.
Mozambique has been experiencing widespread flooding that has displaced hundreds of thousands and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.
Details surrounding the recovery of Mngwevu’s body, including the exact location, have not yet been released.
Xhakaza expressed shock and sadness over Mngwevu’s passing, highlighting his contribution to mobility, infrastructure development, and service delivery.
“Councillor Mngwevu was a committed public servant who dedicated his life to improving mobility, infrastructure development, and service delivery for the people he served,” Xhakaza said.
“His passing is a profound loss to the city, the council, and the broader community. He was a critical member of the mayoral committee who paid attention to detail and ensured the interests of Ekurhuleni’s residents were looked after.”
Xhakaza extended condolences to Mngwevu’s family, friends, colleagues, and all affected by the tragedy.
He also offered sympathies to the families of the three others travelling with Mngwevu at the time of the incident.
On Tuesday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Xhakaza, and MMC for Finance Jongizizwe Dlabathi visited the families of the deceased to pay their respects.
“The city also conveys its sympathies to the people of Mozambique affected by the recent floods and joins them in mourning the lives lost as a result of this tragedy,” Xhakaza said.
The Mngwevu family issued a statement expressing their grief.
“The Mngwevu family announces with deep sorrow and profound sadness the untimely passing of our beloved son, husband, father, and dedicated servant of the people, Mr Andile Mngwevu,” the statement read.
“Mr Mngwevu tragically passed away while on a trip to Mozambique when the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floods in the Chókwè region. The incident has left relatives, friends, colleagues, and the broader community heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with his sudden loss.”
The statement described Mngwevu as a loving and devoted husband whose life was defined by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
“Throughout his life, he made a difference in people’s lives through his selfless service, principled leadership, and genuine care for those around him,” the family said.
“Beyond his public service, Andile was a pillar of strength within his family – a source of love, guidance, and unwavering support. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void; however, his legacy of service, leadership, and humanity will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.”
The family requested privacy and asked the public to keep them in their prayers.
Details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
The African National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni also expressed sadness over Mngwevu’s death.
ANC Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi said Mngwevu’s political activism began at age 15 through the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) while attending Kenneth Masikela Secondary School in KwaThema.
According to Dlabathi, Mngwevu rose through the ranks of COSAS, serving at regional, provincial, and national levels, including as national organiser.
He also held leadership roles in the ANC Youth League as regional secretary and chairperson, focusing on youth development and advocacy.
Dlabathi highlighted Mngwevu’s service in government at the Gauteng departments of education and health before being deployed to the City of Ekurhuleni as a strategic adviser and public representative.
“At the time of his passing, Cde Andile was entrusted with the responsibilities of MMC for Roads and Transport Planning and leader of government business – roles he executed with dedication, integrity, and excellence,” Dlabathi said.
“The ANC in Ekurhuleni extends its deepest condolences to the Mngwevu family, comrades, colleagues, and the communities of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng. We have lost a principled revolutionary and servant of the people.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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