Joburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo Dies of Covid-19

Johannesburg mayor Geoff Makhubo died of complications after contracting Covid-19, the city’s finance MMC, Jolidee Matongo announced on Friday.

“It’s confirmed, he has passed on this morning. He was in hospital due to Covid-19. He did not make it,”Matongo told Business Day.

Also, Joburg acting mayor and MMC for health and social development Eunice Mgcina stated that Makhubo passed on this morning, July 9, after being in hospital for a while.

“It is my sad duty to confirm that the executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Geoffrey Makhubo, has indeed succumbed to Covid-19," Mgcina said.

“We had hoped that the executive mayor would beat the virus and return to work and lead the city as we face this pandemic that has devastated lives and livelihoods," Mgcina affirmed.

"Sadly, it was not to be. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife, daughters, mother and the rest of his family, friends and comrades."

Additionally, she asserted that the office of the executive mayor and council speaker would announce further details in due course.

Meanwhile, the mayor's family has requested privacy and space “as they process the untimely passing of one of their own”. Mourners are discouraged from gathering at Makhubo’s home.

Labour federation Cosatu said Makhubo worked well with Cosatu and would consult on “deployments, policy direction, and challenges in the city.”

“He also worked well with the [tripartite] alliance in Johannesburg and his leadership, respect and humility will be missed. The residents of Johannesburg and the alliance have lost a selfless cadre.”

In June, the mayor tested positive for Covid-19 and was hospitalized, according to his spokesperson Mlimandlela Ndamase.