Ingquza Hill mayor remembered for his diligence and sense of humour

Covid-19 took the life of a champion fighter for public health and good governance, according to many of the tributes pouring in for Ingquza Hill mayor Bambezakhe Goya.

Ironically, he struggled to raise awareness of the dangers of the virus that took his life on Tuesday, and was credited with bringing order and stability to the municipality, many said.

Cogta minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma wrote: "The untimely passing of councillor Goya has robbed his family and the people of Ingquza Hill as well as the local government fraternity. His dedicated service to the people since 2006 is notable and he will be remembered for both his diligence and his sense of humour.”

In his letter of condolence to the family, EC Cogta MEC Xolile Nqatha said Goya played a crucial role in crafting a developmental agenda for the people of Ingquza Hill.

Goya was admitted at Margate hospital after a short illness on Sunday. 

Ngquza Hill speaker Ntandokazi Capa appealed to the inhabitants of the municipality to remain calm, mourn and  and allow space for his family to grieve.

Capa described him as a time-conscious man of order and cleanliness. He was accurate in his assessment of issues, she said.

“He leaves us in trying times as the country faces a Covid-19 pandemic that has brought certain sectors of the economy to a standstill. He was a champion of Covid-19 awareness and sacrificed most of his time criss-crossing the whole of Ingquza Hill to make people aware."

Goya was elected in 2006 as a ward 17 councillor,  and re-elected for another term in 2011. In 2016, he was elected as a PR councillor.

He took over as mayor in 2018 following the removal of Pat Mdingi, whose time in office was  rocked by internal divisions and infighting among ANC councillors.

Capa remembered Goya for his strength, sense of humour, authority and diplomacy.

“We have lost a hero, an activist, a father figure and a leader,” she said.

EC ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi said it was devastating to lose such a diligent and humble leader, someone who brought stability to a divided council.

He said: “Despite all the systemic challenges, he stabilised the institution and turned it around. We are very proud of his contribution.”

OR Tambo district mayor Thokozile Sokanyile said his death came at a time when they were busy crafting strategies to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. Goya had done "a sterling job" in leading the local command council.

Ngcobo municipality is mourning the Covid-19 death last week of another member of its council, EFF local leader Sonwabiso Zondeka.

This brings to five the number of people linked to the municipality who have been killed by the virus since December, said speaker Nobantu Macingwane. Two councillors, two traditional leaders and an official have died. Five employees had tested positive and were in quarantine.

“In remembering councillor Zondeka, let us be committed in doing our best to fight the spread of the disease,” said Macingwane.