Mourners from around the province and further afield gathered at Musina’s Lesley Manyathela stadium on Sunday to pay their last respects to the former mayor of Musina Municipality, Cllr David Phologa.

Phologa was found dead in his hotel room in Polokwane last Tuesday, where he was attending some official business. At the time of his death, Phologa was an ANC PR member in the Musina municipality and a member of the mayoral committee for the Vhembe District Municipality.

The newly appointed MEC of Public Works, Sparks Ramagoma, said that the former mayor, having been a soldier for the bigger part of his adult life, epitomised the best that came from the movement. “He was one of those men who fought for development in the prime of his life and excelled at everything he did. He will be remembered for his dedication and commitment to the movement of our people, as ruling party member and also for his vision and tenacity as former mayor of Musina.”

“His passing will undoubtedly leave a void too difficult to fill, not only in the family, but also in our governance and leadership structures,” he said. Ramagoma said that although the family, friends and government accepted what had happened, it would be difficult to forget that this death had robbed the community of an energetic leader who was full of zeal and courage.

A family representative, Mr Jack Mokobi, told the mourners that the family had accepted the loss although it was difficult to cope with it. “We understand and accept that David is gone, but it will be very difficult for us to live without him. It is also important to acknowledge the community’s support since we received the bad news. God has done his will and there is nothing we can do, because the situation is irreversible,” he said.