By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A memorial service for the late former Joburg Mayor Mpho Moerane is currently underway in his hometown of Alexandra on Friday afternoon.
Moerane passed away in a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday after being involved in a car crash last week.
He’s been described as an entrepreneurial leader who dedicated his talents to the service of the people of Joburg.
Moerane’s tenure as Joburg mayor was brief, lasting between 1 October and 22 November last year.
He ascended to Joburg’s top position after Geoff Makhubo and Jolidee Matongo passed away in quick succession.
The African National Congress (ANC)’s Paul Mashatile said that Moerane will be remembered for his dedication to the people of Joburg.
“He was a community leader, a businessman, a philanthropist,” Mashatile said.
Moerane served as a regional treasurer of the party in Johannesburg.
He had also served as a member of the mayoral committee responsible for environment and infrastructure services before he was elected mayor.
“Born and bred in Alexandra, Moerane was highly conscious of the challenges faced by the community he was born in and, as such, the late 80s saw him become a student activist, and his activism grew beyond the corridors of the institution of learning. His entire life was anchored by service to others.”
Moerane served as the branch treasurer of Ward 81 in Johannesburg from 1995 and was subsequently elected as the branch chairperson in 2011.
He was later elected as the zonal treasurer of Zone 13 and then the zonal chairperson where he served until he was elected regional treasurer in 2018.
The ANC said Moerane’s death’ was a great loss to the movement and society at large.
“We are forever grateful for his contribution in bettering the ANC both in government and as a movement.
“To this end, the ANC conveys its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the residents of the city of Johannesburg, fellow councillors, comrades in arms and the entire liberation movement. We wish them strength and fortitude during this difficult time.”
Moerane is expected to be laid to rest on Sunday in his hometown of Alexandra.
Watch in the video below:
Video Courtesy of ENCA.