An emotional wreaths laying ceremony by family, colleagues, and friends of the later former City of Joburg mayor Mpho Moerane.
Family , colleagues and close friends were emotion at the wreath laying ceremony at site where the late former City of Joburg Executive Mayor Mpho Moerane had his car accident last week.
Moerane passed away on Wednesday evening after a tragic accident at corner Bowling and Lutheren in Gallo Manor, north of Johannesburg.
The main road had to be closed to traffic temporarily to allow the ceremony to be held.
At the site, one could still see the debris that remained after the luxurious car hit a rock, a tree and rolled until it came stationary.
The ceremony was organized by leadership of the City of Johannesburg, Executive Mayor Mpho Phalatse, Speaker Vasco Da Gama and Acting City Manager lay a a wreath, they were followed by Moerane’s wife Fikile who was emotional but managed to lay wreaths.
The sister to Moerane was inconsolable, while crying, a family member was comforting her telling her to be strong.
“I know he was your only brother, please be strong. I know you loved your only brother, please be strong,” said the relative.
When it was time for ordinary councillors to lay wreath, one emotional ANC Councillor collapsed and was quickly attended to by councillors including mayor Phalatse, she was later whisked away so that she could be calm.
While mourners were were still witnessing the ceremony, another ANC Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe broke out and cried also inconsolable. Many people who know her knew she was very close with Moerane and another later former Joburg Mayor Jolidee Matongo who passed away last year.
The chaplains gave words of advise to the family especially the wife to give her strength.
Heartbreaking scenes as JMPD officers give their final salute at the accident site @nntombi_nkosi pic.twitter.com/UsehzpNHnd
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“This is the place where our former comrade almost lost his life, where everything happened, where only the darkness of night can only bare evidence to that and as per our norm, we are here as a sign of homage paying respect to that spot and we will definitely do that by putting the wreaths as a symbol of remembrance,” said the Chaplin.
He further said “the wreaths symbol so that everyone who travels in this road should at least lower his or her speed in paying respect to our brother, our father, our beloved comrade and former mayor”.
Later this afternoon Moerane will be remembered and celebrated at a Memorial Service at Alexsan Kopano Community Centre in Alexandra Township
On Sunday at 09h00 - 11h00 at Kwabhekilanga Sports Ground in Alexandra Township, (the procession will then leave for Fourways Memorial Park) where Moerane remains will be laid to rest.