Ahead of the 2022 Budget Speech which was delivered midday, earlier on in the morning the emotions ran high inside the Conny Bapela Council Chambers, as comrades, friends and colleagues of the late Cllr Moerane paid tribute to a man they considered a brother and fa ather to all councillors. Cllr Moerane passed away about a week ago after he was involved in a car crash.

As the late Cllr Moerane’s name-tag was being removed from his seat – in what the Speaker of Council Cllr Vasco da Gama described as “symbolizing that Cllr Moerane will never sit there again,” many said the chambers felt strange without him.

The Executive Mayor Cllr Mpho Phalatse said Cllr Moerane was a gift to the people of Johannesburg.

“Three days ago we laid to rest yet another one of our own. We both shared interest for the people of Alexandra. Mpho was a true gift to Alex, to the people of Johannesburg. We have lost a son, we have lost a leader. We dare not lose hope of uplifting the people of Alex,” said Cllr Phalatse.

The ANC’s tearful Cllr Eunice Mgcina said she was lost for words.

“I couldn’t find the right words to describe the leader of our caucus. We cannot hide our anger and frustration at God for his untimely passing. Cllr Moerane was such a humble leader. We’ve heard so many stories of the contributions that comrade Moerane had on many lives. A true servant of the people. He was an accomplished revolutionary. He did everything to change many lives,” said Cllr Mgcina.

PAC Cllr T Nkokou described the late Cllr Moerane as the “son of the soil” who was very humble.

Cllr K Reddy of UIM had this to say: “An absolute ambassador of the people. He valued peace more in the council.”

AIC Cllr Margaret Arnolds told the mourners and the family of Cllr Moerane that she stood with a heavy heart.

“I don’t know whether to cry or celebrate the life well lived. Mpho would be invited as VIP, but he would sit amongst the people,” said Cllr Arnolds.

ATM Cllr L Magwentshu said Cllr Moerane was a charismatic and a service delivery champion.

According to ALJAMAH-AH Cllr I Ismail-Moosa, Cllr Moerane was a gentleman who knew how to treat others in Council.

The IFP and the MMC for Housing, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso said Cllr Moerane was a true community activist.

The PA and the Health and Social Development MMC, Cllr Ashley Sauls I (the first) described Cllr Moerane as someone who was a gift of love who loved the City of Joburg.

FF+ Cllr C Boer said they were shocked at the untimely death of Cllr Moerane.

ACDP Cllr A Sithole said Cllr Moerane had run his race and challenged his colleagues to run their own race.

EFF Cllr M Mphahlele told the Council that Cllr Moerane was one of the best councillors the City has lost and that Alexandra people “lost their beacon of hope.”

ActionSA Cllr L Ngobeni and also a cousin to the late Cllr Moerane, told the mourners that just a few hours before the accident happened, the late councillor had called her because he couldn’t make it to the Section 79 Committee meeting.

“This Chamber feels strange without him here, especially his ever present contagious smile,” said Cllr Ngobeni.

DA Cllr B Moloisane described Cllr Moerane as a gentle giant and a father to all young councillors in Council.