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

Cllr David Phologa was a distinguished person, who strived for the development of his community until his last day on earth. Phologa was found dead in his hotel room in Polokwane, where he was attending some official business. At the time of his death, Phologa was an ANC PR councilor in the Musina Municipality and a member of the mayoral committee for the Vhembe District Municipality.

According to members of the community of Musina, Phologa 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 trust-worthy human being whose desire to serve his community motivated him to work hard. As an individual who had the love of his community at heart, Phologa brought countless and unquestionable developmental initiatives around the Musina Municipality, they said.

Mayor Caroline Mahasela described the death of Phologa as a terrible blow to the community of Musina. Mahasela said: “His death has taken a real comrade, 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. Phologa was a real son of the soil, who would not sacrifice anything 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.”

Municipal Manager Abram Luruli added that the municipality will always remember Phologa’s contribution to the development of the community. “He has been our ambassador and Musina Municipality is what it is today because of his contributions. We are doomed by his sudden departure. On behalf of the Musina Municipality, I would like to extend our condolences to the bereaved family and assure them of our unending support during this trying moment. 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.”

A memorial service in his honour will take place today (Friday) at Nancefield community hall at 11:00. Phologa will be buried on Sunday at Musina. The service will commence at the Lesley Manyathela Stadium at 07:00.