The cruelty of death has once again robbed the Musina community of a hardworking, dedicated and zealous councilor who had been a true example of what community development work is all about.

Despite his advanced age, Cllr Benson Johannes Maphanga (72) was a distinguished comrade who strived for the development of his community until his last day on earth. Maphanga was as powerful as a teenager whenever he performed his duties and words alone could not describe his commitment to his work.

He died at the Polokwane Provincial Hospital over the weekend, after a short illness.

To the community of Musina, Maphanga was a father, a mentor, an icon of hope, a role model and a true leader. He was a visionary, a manager, an organizer and a trustworthy human being whose desire to serve his community motivated him to work hard.

He became an ANC councillor for Ward 6 in the Musina Municipality with effect from August 8 this year, occupying the portfolio for Arts, Sport, Culture and Education. As an individual who had the love of his community at heart, Maphanga brought countless and unquestionable developmental initiatives around the Musina Municipality.

Mayor Caroline Mahasela described the death of Maphanga as a terrible blow to the community of Musina. “His death has taken a real father, confidante and inspirational leader from both young and old people in our community. We are seriously saddened by his death because he still had too much to offer to this community. Maphanga was a real son of the soil who would sacrifice everything for his job. Everyone can see his contributions to the development of our society and we relied on him for many things. He left us at a time when we needed his leadership skills most.”

Mahasela added that the municipality would always remember Maphanga’s contribution to the development of the local community. “He has been our ambassador and Musina Municipality is what it is today because of his contributions. We are saddened by his sudden departure but we have no doubt that he will rest in peace. On behalf of the Musina Municipality, I would like to send our condolences to the Maphanga family and assure them of our unending support during this trying time. It is difficult for all of us to accept what happened, but we must also understand that God does His will in His own time.”

Tributes poured in from relatives and friends, members of the ANC, COSATU, SACP, SANCO, ANC Youth League, ANC Women’s League, South African Council of Churches and the Musina Senior Citizens Forum.

Maphanga is survived by his wife, Mushaathoni, six children, 13 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.