By Kaya 959 News
Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at Orlando East Communal Hall in Soweto on Wednesday to bid farewell to Johannesburg mayor Geoff Makhubo.
Makhubo passed away last week after losing his battle with COVID-19.
The mayor’s daughters, Keitumetse and Relebogile Makhubo, paid tribute to their father at the service.
They described him as a great dad who was always there for them.
“I don’t know what to say, my father was a very busy man but he always made time for us. We will miss him,” The Star quoted Keitumetse as saying.
ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile remembered Makhubo as a man dedicated to public service.
“He was a genuine friend, dependable colleague, an activist, leader, patriot… a true comrade to the end,” Mashatile said.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura also paid his respects. He described the mayor as a “unifying man who had a huge impact because he was in touch with the ground”.
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[IN PICTURES] We bid farewell to our beloved Moloantoa Geoff Makhubo, by honouring him with an Official Civic Funeral. Lala ngoxolo Majoro, you will be sorely missed. #RIPGeoffMakhubo 🕊 pic.twitter.com/VJoNJccuiL
— ANC Caucus COJ (@ANCCaucusCoJ) July 14, 2021
Today we lay to his final resting place, our beloved Leader of Caucus and Executive Mayor Geoff Makhubo. It is a heavy and sad day but we draw strength from the gallant legacy and memory he left behind.
Lala ngoxolo Moloantoa, you will never be forgotten 🕊#RIPGeoffMakhubo pic.twitter.com/9cZDTQm93E
— ANC Caucus COJ (@ANCCaucusCoJ) July 14, 2021
[IN PICTURES] Premier of Gauteng @David_Makhura paid his last respects to our late Mayor Makhubo, and called him a ‘unifying man who had a huge impact because he was in touch with the ground.’ He commends the late Makhubo’s dedication to transforming Joburg#RIPGeoffMakhubo 🕊 pic.twitter.com/TTOkSKguME
— ANC Caucus COJ (@ANCCaucusCoJ) July 14, 2021
Tributes pour in for Makhubo
A memorial website was set up to honour Makhubo.
“The City has created online platforms where messages may be posted and shared for the family. Please utilise these platforms to send condolences,” head of digital communications in the Presidency, Athi Geleba, tweeted.
Many people have already taken to the site to share their condolences.
“Your passion and vision for the city served as a constant reminder of the importance of having your calibre of leadership at the forefront… The City of Johannesburg, the ANC and most importantly the Makhubo family have gained both a revolutionary Ancestor and Guardian angel,” Khethiwe Magwaza wrote.
Some also thanked Makhubo for his service.
“You have run the race with diligence and willingness to serve. However, the superior will of God has prevailed. You had to answer when your name was called. We know for sure that your good deeds and work will speak and continue to whisper to the hope of [the] people of Gauteng. RIP Cder Makhubo,” Cassius Selala wrote.
Main image credit: Geoff Makhubo/memorial



