Cape Town — Former Tshwane mayor, Dr Murunwa Makwerela, has passed away following a short battle with illness.
Makwerela’s death was confirmed by the speaker of Council of the City of Tshwane, Mncedi Ndzwanana.
Makawerela held the position of speaker before stepping into his mayoral role, EWN reported.
“It is a sad day for us because we have lost the important person, the former Speaker, the former mayor and the councillor of Tshwane, which is Dr Makwarela. He has lost his life this morning. It is a sad day for the city, it is a sad day for the office of the Speaker as well.” Ndzwanana said.
Makwerela faced two counts of fraud relating to allegations after he failed to disclose that he was insovlent prior to becoming Tshwane mayor. It later came out that he use a fake rehabilitation to try and keep his job.
Current mayor Cilliers Brink paid tribute to Makwarela on X, saying he was saddened to hear of his passing and offered his condolences to Makwarela’s passing.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of the former Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Dr Murunwa Makwarela.. Whatever the difference we might have had, and the controversy of his tenure, I am saddened by his passing. I pray that God will comfort his family, and bring them peace.” Brink said.
[BREAKING NEWS] Former Tshwane mayor Dr Murunwa Makwerela has passed away after a short illness.
Tune into #Newzroom405 for more details. pic.twitter.com/fRtm2n4brj
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 23, 2024
I am saddened to learn of the passing of the former Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Dr Murunwa Makwarela.
Dr Makwarela served as Executive Mayor during a tumultuous period in the City’s politics in March 2023. Prior to his election as Mayor, he served as the Speaker. pic.twitter.com/djaz4qZQuL
— Mayor Cilliers Brink (@tshwane_mayor) April 23, 2024
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Picture: X/@tshwane_mayor
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
