Grief and pride intertwined as the children of Andile Mngwevu, the City of Ekurhuleni MMC who died in flooding in Mozambique, promised to carry forward his legacy during an emotional farewell service.
Image: Facebook/ANC
The children of the late City of Ekurhuleni MMC for Roads and Transport Planning, Andile Mngwevu, delivered heartbreaking tributes at his funeral on Saturday, with one daughter saying, “Daddy, can you come back home? I already miss you.”
Mngwevu was found dead in Mozambique last month after the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floodwaters during severe flooding in the Chókwè area.
He had been reported missing while on an official trip. Details surrounding the recovery of his body, including the exact location, have not been made public.
The funeral service was held at KwaThema Stadium, with burial at Nokuthula Memorial Park in Brakpan.
Family members, friends, colleagues and political leaders gathered to pay their final respects.
Mozambique has experienced widespread flooding in recent weeks, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and causing extensive damage to infrastructure.
Three other people travelling with Mngwevu at the time of the incident also died.
The atmosphere at the service was solemn as mourners bid farewell to the senior municipal official.
A montage of photographs showing Mngwevu with his children during happier times played as his children took turns delivering emotional tributes.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula and Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi attends the funeral of Andile Mngwevu, the City of Ekurhuleni MMC who died in flooding in Mozambique last month.
Image: Facebook/ANC
One of his daughters thanked him for being “the best dad”.
“I wouldn’t choose anyone else to be my dad, even in the next lifetime,” she said.
“Thank you for sharing your wisdom, for motivating us and always reminding us that we are capable and should aim for the sky.”
Fighting back tears, she spoke of milestones her father would no longer witness.
“I wish we had more time - to laugh, to go out for ice cream, for you to see my matric dance, my 18th birthday and my matric results,” she said.
“But God had other plans, and I’m not angry.”
She described Mngwevu as focused and determined, earning him the nickname “the honey badger”.
“Once you put your mind to something, you never let it go,” she said. “You were my number one supporter. At athletics meetings, poetry events - you were always there, shouting the loudest.”
She said she would miss his strict parenting, his singing, and the nickname he used for her.
“I’ll miss asking you for money to do my hair and you complaining, but giving it to me anyway,” she said.
“Most of all, I’ll miss your love. May your soul rest in peace. I love you, always and forever.”
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and ANCYL president Collen Malatji attends the funeral service of City of Ekurhuleni MMC for Roads and Transport Planning, Andile Mngwevu.
Image: Facebook/ANC
One of Mngwevu’s sons thanked his father for providing for him and supporting his dreams.
“You made sure I never went to sleep without everything I needed,” he said.
“When I wanted to play soccer, you bought everything. When I asked for a phone or headphones, you tried, even when they were out of stock.”
With his voice trembling, he added, “You were the best father… There is no one better than you. I’m going to miss you a lot.”
Another son spoke of the pain of losing his father and the future they would no longer share.
“It hurts that you are no longer here,” he said. “There were so many things we still planned to do together. My heart breaks thinking about it.”
He vowed to honour his father’s legacy.
“Your name is big in the community and in the family,” he said. “I promise I will not bring it down. Wherever you are, you will always have a son who will make you proud.”
The most poignant moment came when one of Mngwevu’s younger daughters delivered a brief but emotional tribute.
“Daddy, can you come back home?” she said. “I already miss you. I love you, Daddy.”
Among those in attendance were ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, ANCYL president Collen Malatji, and several municipal and ANC officials.
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