By Kaya 959 Reporter
Two more people have died in a horror crash on the Golden Highway at the weekend that also claimed the life of Johannesburg mayor, Jolidee Matongo.
Police confirmed that a pedestrian and the driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash, have since died in hospital.
Matongo’s bodyguards remain in a stable condition in hospital.
It is alleged that Matongo’s vehicle was travelling along the highway when a pedestrian ran into the road.
Authorities said Matongo’s driver swerved to avoid crashing into the pedestrian and collided with a bakkie.
Matongo was believed to have been on his way home after a full day of electioneering alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa in Soweto.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed that a case of culpable homicide and reckless driving was under investigation.
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Tributes pour in Matongo
Meanwhile, tributes have been streaming in on social media following the newly elected mayor‘s death.
Speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said although only in the position for a short time, Matongo carried out his work with great understanding and compassion.
“Mayor Matongo had already accustomed himself to the new responsibilities, illustrated a depth of understanding of the complexities of local government and was enhancing people’s developmental services,” she said.
The DA’s Mpho Phalatse said Matongo was always respectful.
“Mayor Matongo always treated me with respect as a fellow council colleague, and even during his short tenure as Mayor, was willing to take my calls on matters of critical service delivery issues. During committee meetings in Council, Mayor Matongo was always willing to co-operate across party lines and listen to colleagues with different views,” Phalatse said.
ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said Matongo’s long and colourful track record as a public servant spoke for itself.
“Death has robbed the people of Johannesburg and the liberation movement of a selfless, dedicated, and competent servant.
The ANC dips its revolutionary banner in honour of this outstanding cadre and son of the soil.
We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the broader democratic movement,” Mabe said.
It is hard to comprehend this tragedy, given the vitality and passion with which Mayor Matongo interacted with me and residents of Soweto so shortly before his death. pic.twitter.com/zmzGVFfAdA
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 18, 2021
I am shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Johannesburg Mayor, Jolidee Matongo.
My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the ANC.
Politics must always come last in these moments. He was taken far too soon.
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) September 18, 2021
Our local government sector has suffered another reeling loss in the shocking and untimely passing of Cde Jolidee Matongo. Our condolences to his family, friends and comrades. The city and our movement is poorer without him. May he rest in peace.
— Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (@DlaminiZuma) September 19, 2021
Mayor Matongo’s passing has left me shocked and shattered. I send my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Matongo and children, his extended family, friends and comrades. pic.twitter.com/NKEcmpnfmb
— David Makhura (@David_Makhura) September 18, 2021
Matongo’s political career
Matongo’s political career kicked off when he was 13-years-old as a member of the Soweto Student Congress and the Congress of South African Students and the ANC Youth League.
He served as the Regional Secretary of the ANC Youth League and later elected Regional Chairperson in the Greater Johannesburg Region.
Matongo then served in the ANC Joburg Regional Executive Committee. He was appointed as Regional Head of the Department of Information and Publicity and the Regional Spokesperson for the period of about eight years.
He was later appointed to the City of Joburg as the MMC of Finance by the late Executive Mayor, Moloantoa Geoff Makhubo, who he went on to replace as mayor when Makhubo died.
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