By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Johannesburg Mayor Jolidee Matongo was laid to rest at West Park cemetery in Johannesburg.
Matongo, who was sworn in as mayor in August following the passing of Geoff Makhubo, died in a car crash last weekend while travelling on the Golden Highway.
He had been campaigning in Soweto, along with African National Congress (ANC) president Cyril Ramaphosa.
Two other people were also killed.
While his tenure at the helm of the City of Joburg was short, many have celebrated the late mayor for his humanity and his commitment to service delivery.
Jacob Khawe, a close friend of Matongo and ANC provincial secretary in Gauteng, described his death as an “immeasurable loss”.
“The gap that has been left by the departure of this magnificent spirit will soon enough be felt.
“Our paths first crossed in 1988. During all these years since our lives have been intertwined. We shared the joy of being young, the pain of poverty, the teachings of the SA revolution.”
Khawe said they were “friends for life”.
ANC treasurer general Paul Mashatile also addressed mourners saying the pain of Matongo’s death “still cuts deep”.
“It deeply pains us that our beloved comrade Joli is no more. It deeply pains us that he has left us too soon while we were expecting so much more from him.
“To many of us it is finally dawning that our gentle giant … has departed for good.
“Even in our deepest pain, we consider ourselves privileged that in comrade Jolidee we were in the company of so rare a jewel, who was a genuine friend, an activist to the core, a servant of the people and a well-rounded revolutionary.
“We counted him among the finest in our ranks. In him we saw a bright future for our country and our movement.
The wife of the late executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg, said her husband’s funeral in Finetown Hall, Johannesburg, was something she never imagined would happen.
The couple met in high school and her husband consistently showed up for his wife’s choir performances.
“My birthday and anniversary will never be the same again because you always ensured that these days were celebrated and given the prominence they deserve…
“Papa Jol, I am grateful for giving me the love you have given me and for our son. You were truly a unique breed … my humble, kind husband who always had a smile on his face.”
Ms Matongo said she would hold on to her husband’s mantra: “God will provide.”
Matongo survived by his mother, wife and son.