​For the first time, the leaders of various political parties represented in the City of Johannesburg’s Council agreed that they have lost “the people’s mayor”.

After officially opening a Special Council meeting in honour of the late Executive Mayor, Cllr Geoffrey Molantoa Makhubo, on Thursday, 29 July 2021, Speaker of Council Cllr Nonceba Molwele said: “It is very sad when someone you know becomes someone you knew. I wish I could take all this pain and sorrow from all of you, the family, fellow councillors, officials and the citizens of Johannesburg.”

The meeting was held through a hybrid format, with most people joining virtually while a limited number of people was present inside the Council Chamber. This is in line with Adjusted Level 3 regulations. Makhubo’s family representatives were some of the people who were physically at the special council meeting.

“We’ve lost one of the eminent sons of the great City of Johannesburg. We have lost one of the front-line combatants in the struggle for a better City; a City that is more inclusive; and a City where no one is left behind. We have also lost a true revolutionary to whom many accolades are due,” remarked ANC Cllr Mpho Moerane.

He described Makhubo as “an outstanding leader of our people – a leader who was always hands-on; who was forever ready to serve, who led from the front – a leader who lived in and among the people.”

Moerane said one of the legacies left by Makhubo, which the City was pursuing was to see the transfer of electricity distribution for Soweto, Orange Farm, Finetown, Diepsloot and Ivory Park, from Eskom back to the City through City Power.

Chief Whip in Council Cllr Solly Mogase said: “The chambers will never feel the same without Makhubo’s leadership.”

DA Cllr Leah Knott said: “One thing I appreciated about Geoff was his constant availability. He always picked up his phone and was available for meetings. He always had a sense of humour. I always appreciated the fact that we spoke often. As human beings, we could have informal engagements. We always disagreed, but he treated us equally.”

EFF Cllr Moses Sako described Makhubo as “a man who never gave up fighting for what he believed in. It has been a difficult five years in the office as we have lost many of our loved ones. We’ve lost a man who was in the forefront of fighting the struggles of the City’s residents.”

IFP Cllr Mzobanzi Ntuli said the City has lost a remarkable leader and that his party had worked very well with the late Mayor. “We were disturbed when we heard the sad news of the passing of the Executive Mayor. May his soul rest in peace.”

Cllr Thapelo Amad from Aljama-Ah said Makhubo was like a brother, father and mentor of many young councillors. “Indeed death has robbed us of the leader.”

COPE Cllr Lawrence Khoza labelled Makhubo as “an extraordinary individual, a larger-than-life character, an academically accomplished and curious individual. The Executive Mayor had this permanent obsession with improving the lives of the people of Johannesburg.”

Khoza added that he believes that Makhubo came close to perfecting the profile of what an executive mayor should possess.

AIC Cllr Margaret Arnolds said Makhubo was a unifier who led the government of local unity (GLU) in the City, which was able to pass an inclusive budget. “He was a man filled with intelligence, wisdom and humility. The City has lost an icon.”

UDM Cllr Thandi Nontenja said: “The mighty tree of the City of Joburg has fallen indeed. Mayor Makhubo was the mayor of the people. He was grounded, humble and a constructive person. To the family we say, your loss is our loss. We thank you for sharing your loved one with us, with the nation. Painful as it is, we couldn’t delay him any longer. Rest in peace the people’s mayor.”

Patriotic Alliance Cllr Ashley Sauls celebrated Makhubo as a decisive leader.

Keitumetse Makhubo, the mayor’s daughter, remembered her father as the most courageous person she knew. “We would like to urge the City to continue with his legacy of transforming other townships like Orange Farm, Ivory Park and Alexandra to be like Soweto,” said Keitumetse.