AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
WITH a full civic ceremony befitting the No 1 citizen, Johannesburg laid its Executive Mayor Jolidee Matongo in a dignified and emotional service held in Johannesburg.
Matongo (46) died in a car accident a week ago, just five weeks after he was elected as Mayor, succeeding Geoff Makhubu, who died from Covid-19.
Speakers paid warm tributes to Matongo and praised him for his humility and commitment to serving the people of Johannesburg, one of Africa’s biggest cities. One speaker described him as a “son of Africa who grew up in the streets of Soweto”.
One of the Mayor’s friends, Jacob Khawe, the provincial secretary of the ANC, said Matongo was his “best friend for life.”
Khawe said he had been there during every significant moment in Matongo life. He said he was there when he fell in love, when his child was born, through his growth politically and held him as he lay in the wreckage, soon after the car accident.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura, Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi, Nonceba Molwele, the Speaker of the City of Johannesburg were among the dignitaries that included government ministers, deputy ministers and other high ranking ANC politicians who attended Matongo’s funeral.
Speaking on behalf of the ANC, Paul Mashatile, the ANC Treasurer-General, described Matongo as a gentle giant, a rare jewel, a genuine friend, an activist to the core, a servant of the people and well-rounded revolutionary.
Mashatile said: “Even in our deepest pain, we consider ourselves privileged that in comrade Jolidee we were in the company of such a rare 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.
“Cruel death has robbed us of boundless energy, his steadfastness, his professionalism and his never-die spirit. We always admired his warmth and compassion especially for the poor and marginalised. We took note of the work he did to advance the empowerment of women. We drew strength from his ability to serve the ANC not for personal glory nor distinction.
“We will miss his passion for building an inclusive city of Johannesburg, working with everybody including opposition parties. The highest tribute and greatest monument we could ever build for comrade Joli is to redouble our efforts in our ongoing endeavour to renew, revive and rebuild an ethical ANC.”
Matongo’s widow, his high school sweetheart, Kedibone paid a loving tribute to him.
In a farewell message read on behalf by Mpho Motsepe, Kedibone said: “My birthday anniversary will never be the same again, because you always ensured that these days were celebrated and given the prominence they deserved. “On our wedding day you said we are selling our freedom on Freedom Day. I am grateful for the love you have given me and our son. You are truly a unique breed.
“On Sunday when I returned from viewing your lifeless body I prayed. Prayer turned into what felt like a conversation with you. That conversation took place at 3am in the morning, I soaked in a bath and felt a load on my shoulders taken off.”
“My humble, calm, husband who always had a smile on his face. The pain that I am feeling now, I don’t know how and when it will subside but I will hold onto your mantra: God will provide.
“I’m going to miss you. Your smile would keep me going. Now I must adjust to being a mum and a dad to our son.”
