By Kaya 959 News
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Geoff Makhubo, has died. According to reports, he succumbed to COVID-19.
Makhubo tested positive for the virus in June. He immediately self-isolated but was admitted to the hospital a week ago.
“He will remain in hospital until his medical team is satisfied that he is fully recovered and can resume his public duties,” spokesperson Mlimandlela Ndamase said at the time.
Makhubo’s office also urged the public to adhere to all safety measures.
“Gauteng and indeed Johannesburg are officially in a third wave and residents are urged to take the necessary non-medical precautions seriously and to ensure they wear masks, maintain social distance and limit movement in compliance with the level-3 regulations currently in place.”
South Africa has since been placed on a level 4 lockdown.
Herman Mashaba pays tribute
Former major of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, says he is saddened by the news of Makhubo’s death.
“Shocked to hear of the passing of Johannesburg Mayor, Geoff Makhubo. In these difficult times, we are reminded of how fragile life can be. Our shared humanity will always come before our politics. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, and colleagues in the @MYANC,” he tweeted.
Shocked to hear of the passing of Johannesburg Mayor, Geoff Makhubo.
In these difficult times, we are reminded of how fragile life can be. Our shared humanity will always come before our politics.
My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, and colleagues in the @MYANC.
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) July 9, 2021
Scores of South Africans took to Twitter to pay their respects.
We texted 21-26 June talking about how we had tested positive for COVID-19.
I said I'd pray for him as I was also in isolation.
04 July, I texted again & he didn't answer. Now he is silent.RIP JHB Mayor Geoff Makhubo. I'm sorry we didn't have that Glenmorangie 💔
It's alot!
— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) July 9, 2021
READ: Chriselda Lewis on fighting COVID-19: ‘It has been a painful & scary journey’
https://twitter.com/laasya012/status/1413451304702156808
Sincerest Prayers & Condolences to the Makhubo Family… @GeoffMakhubo pic.twitter.com/ZR62cRAzWy
— Alex Mngoma | SGK Holdings (Pty) Ltd (@TshidisoMngoma) July 9, 2021
Deeply saddened by the passing of JHb mayor Geoff Makhubo. Fond memories of working with him at the Environmental Development Agency (EDA) Trust in the late 1990s, where he was the finance manager. Condolences to his family.
— Jayshree Pather (@JPather2) July 9, 2021
Main image courtesy of Facebook/@geoffmakhubo



