Byline: Andani Matumba
27 July 2022
Govan Mbeki Municipality mourns the passing of its Former councillor Cyril Gwiji as the news of his passing was announce on Wednesday, 20 July 2022.
Cllr Gwiji served the communities of GMM diligently and with integrity for 21 unbroken years of service in different portfolios, starting in the year 2000 as a ward councillor then later in the years as Pr.Cllr which through his dedication and commitment to transform society, he was then elected as a Speaker and later a chairperson of the Municipal Publics Accounts Committee.
According to a statement issued by GMM, Gwiji left the institution in 2021 to spend sometime with his family as he had not had sufficient time with his family since he dedicated his entire life to changing society.
Cllr Gwiji’s memorial service in celebration of his life was held on Friday, 22 July 2022 at Kgotso Hall, Ext 12 in Embalenhle.
Gwiji was described as a hero not only for the African National Congress but as well as for his family.
He also left a mark in structures such as COSATU, COSUS, VUKTA and Riothe Men’s Club.
He was described as a man who put his family first above all.
Before his passing, it was arranged that he will be distributing food parcels to child headed families in Embalenhle.
“We will shall see to it that this initiative is carried through,” said Mr George Khunong, a member of Rirothe Men’s Club.
Grace Gwiji, speaking on behalf of the children and grandchildren said she was like her uncles first born child and he loved her as if she were his biological child.
“Whenever we had problems, we would call “Umalume” and there was no place too far for my uncle.
He would do anything to see that we were happy in as much as he was a very reasonable and sensible person,” she said elaborating on how loving Gwiji was.
Comrade Edward Letsimo, who served as Cllr Gwiji’s secretary from 2016 said he met the fallen hero during his Cosas days and with patience Gwiji guided them as young men and shaped their political careers.
“I remember when he drove me to my matric dance and after the formal event was over, he took me home to change and drove me back for the programme of young people,” said Cyde Letsimo reflecting on the memories he shared with Cllr Gwiji.
Executive Mayor, Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma says he is very privileged to have worked with someone as honorable as Cllr Gwiji because he dedicated his live to the people of Govan Mbeki.
“Cllr Gwiji also loved his family dearly and put them first above everything.
He always made sure not to miss a family event,” said Cllr Zuma supporting what the other speakers had uttered.
Due to his remarkable work, some fellow comrades are lobbying for a street to be named after Cllr Gwiji.
