The newly-elected Mayor of Johannesburg, Jolidee Matongo, whose father was a Zimbabwean migrant, has died in a car accident.
Matongo had been appointed as mayor on 10 August and served in the position for just over a month.
A spokesperson confirmed to News24 that the mayor has died. This was further confirmed by two more sources in his office. A statement was expected to be issued on Saturday night.
Matongo had earlier on Saturday accompanied President Cyril Ramaphosa in campaigning for the ANC in this year’s local government elections in Soweto.
He had been elected unopposed as Joburg mayor, succeeding Geoff Makhubo who died in July of COVID-19 complications.
Voter Registration Weekend is fully underway.
📍Ipelegeng
⚫️🟢🟡#VoterRegistration #LGE2021 pic.twitter.com/5tqAbZihcE
— Jolidee Matongo (@matongo_jolidee) September 18, 2021
At the time of his death, Matongo was pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
He held various qualifications that include a B-Tech degree in Public Management, Project Management, Quality Assurance as well as Public Management and Development.