The Mngwevu family is mourning the death of Andile Mngwevu, the Ekurhuleni MMC for Roads and Transport, whose remains were recovered in Mozambique following a weeks-long search and rescue operation after severe flooding swept through the region.
Mngwevu died after the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floodwaters in the Chokwé region of southern Mozambique last week, during a period of intense rainfall that has caused widespread devastation across parts of southern Africa. He was travelling with three other people, all of whom were reported missing after the incident. Authorities later recovered the remains of all four victims.
In a statement, the family described Mngwevu as a loving husband, father and dedicated servant of the people, whose life was defined by humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to public service. They said his sudden passing had left an irreplaceable void and requested privacy as they mourn their loss. Details of memorial and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political structures and government colleagues. The African National Congress (ANC) Greater Tshwane Regional Executive said it was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Mngwevu, who also served as Leader of Government Business in the City of Ekurhuleni council. Regional spokesperson Joel Masilela described him as a disciplined and committed cadre who served communities with integrity.
The ANC in Ekurhuleni said Mngwevu began his political activism at the age of 15, rising through the ranks of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) before holding various leadership roles within the ANC. As MMC for Roads, Transport and Planning, he played a key role in overseeing infrastructure development and service delivery in the metro.
Mngwevu’s death comes amid widespread flooding affecting both Mozambique and South Africa, following weeks of heavy rainfall across the region. In Mozambique, authorities have reported that more than 120 people have died since the start of the rainy season, with thousands displaced after rivers burst their banks and communities were submerged, particularly in the Gaza province, where Chokwé is located.
In South Africa, flood-related incidents linked to severe storms have claimed over 30 lives in recent weeks, with provinces including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal among the hardest hit. Damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure has disrupted services and forced disaster management teams to remain on high alert.
As communities across southern Africa continue to recover from the devastating floods, Mngwevu’s passing has added to the growing toll of lives lost in the disaster, leaving colleagues, comrades and residents of Ekurhuleni mourning a leader remembered for his commitment to service and the people he represented.
