It was a sombre moment for one of Johannesburg’s most loved leaders when dozens of Alexandrians flocked to the township’s San Kopano hall, where they celebrated the life of councillor Moshe Mphahlele.
Mphahlele was killed on Sunday night. He was shot when he responded to a service delivery complaint from some residents in the township who were trying to occupy residential containers built by the City of Johannesburg in 2020 during the Covid lockdown.
The containers have been standing empty, with the city spending millions of rands paying for security to protect them from illegal occupation by destitute residents of the poor and overpopulated township.
The memorial service was attended by EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, council speaker Margaret Arnolds, and many senior EFF leaders including MPs Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Omphile Maotwe.
Shivambu said Mphahlele had always been at the forefront of activism in helping people. “He was a humble man. He always put people first,” said Shivambu.
Gwamanda said Moshe practised what he preached. “The giant has fallen, and we will miss him,” he said.
Arnolds said Moshe was unique in how he tackled issues affecting the city. “He was committed to his community, his party, and the city at large,” she said. She urged the MMC for public safety to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
Representatives of a range of political parties, including ActionSA, Umkhonto Wesizwe and the Patriotic Alliance, also attended the service.
Neighbour and close friend of Mphahlele, David Futhane, regarded the fallen councillor as a giant of Alexandra and of Johannesburg at large. “Moshe loved and smiled with all people, not only from his party but across all parties.
“He always put the needs of the people first and always put their political differences aside,” he said.
Futhane said Mphahlele was fearless and died with his boots on. He called on Fighters in the township to take over from where he had left off.
Family member Mishack Pootona said Moshe died for what he passionately loved.
Pictured above: Crowds gathered at the memorial service of Moshe Mphahlele.
