A former mayor Tshwane, Murunwa Makwarela has passed away at the age of 52 after a short illness.
Makwarela was named mayor of Tshwane 0n 23 February 2023 after overcoming Randall Williams. Even though he was only mayor for two weeks, his tenure was brief due to news that he was bankrupt in 2016.
The family spokesperson Reverend Abel Dube confirmed the news that Makwarela passed on in the early hours of the morning at Leratong Hospital. According to the family, Makwarela died after short illness. “He leaves behind his wife and two daughters. He will be remembered for his work .We, as the family, request privacy as it’s still early days”, said Reverend Abel Dube, family spokesperson.
While he was alive, he held various roles such as a genetic engineer, businessman, academic and politician.
On 10 March 2023, he resigned after they discovered that the rehabilitation certificate he submitted to regain his position was fraudulent. During his time, the DA and other parties led a multi-party coalition and he also served as the council speaker, representing the congress of the people as the party’s sole councillor in the municipality.
Tshwane Speaker of Council, Cllr. Mncedi Ndzwanana also paid a tribute to, while confirming his passing on Tuesday morning. “It is a sad day for us because we have lost an important person, in a former speaker, a former mayor, and councillor of Tshwane which is Dr. Makwarela.
“He passed away this morning. It is sad for the Office of the Speaker, it is also a sad day for me because he is my predecessor, I took over from his and took over from where he left. I would like to say to the family and the City of Tshwane, my condolences” he added.
