Transcript: 8th Special Council Meeting

Opening, moment of silence and notice of meeting

00:04:08Good morning, everyone. Can we remain standing for a moment of silence? Silent prayer and meditation.

00:04:28Thank you, you may be seated.

00:04:55Good morning, everyone. It is hereby notified that the eighth special Council meeting of the City of Johannesburg Municipality in honour of the late Councillor BH Dammie will be held at the Constance Connie Bapela Council Chamber in Braamfontein on the Wednesday 30th of July 2025 at 9:30.

00:05:22Once again, good morning to everyone. I want to start off by apologising to the bereaved family. We were supposed to start at 9, but we started at 9:30 because of traffic and accidents on the freeways.

00:05:42Good morning to the Executive Mayor, Councillor Sello Dada Morero in absentia, to the Chief Whip of Council, Councillor Zungu, Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema, fellow Councillors, the Dammie family, Moloisane and Morake families, to all officials of the City, members of the community present in the gallery, ladies and gentlemen.

Speaker's tribute to Councillor Dammie

00:06:09We gather here today in this special council meeting, not merely to mourn,

00:06:15but to honour a life that was lived with deep purpose and unrelenting courage, the life of Councillor Brenda Dammie. To the bereaved families, thank you for being here today. We do not take your presence lightly. We understand that the pain is still fresh. Please know that behind all our tears is a shared sorrow, and in our collective mourning, begins the slow, difficult process

00:06:43of healing. You can shed your tears because Councillor Brenda Dammie is gone, or you can smile because she lived. You can close your eyes and pray she will return, or you can choose to honour her by celebrating her triumph over a disease. Not just a disease that tested her body, but never broke her spirit. When many may have succumbed to despair, Councillor Dammie stood tall.

00:07:13Her breast cancer diagnosis became a platform, not for pity, but for purpose. She chose to educate, to inspire, and to raise awareness. She chose life every single day. She chose courage, she did not complain. Her struggle was not just medical, it was human, deeply human, and became a classroom in which all of us became students.

00:07:41Today, we reflect not only on what we have lost,

00:07:45but what we have gained from her life. Councillor Dammie has left us a legacy of purpose, perseverance, and pride. Her memory is our responsibility, and we must ensure that the light she lit in so many hearts becomes not, does not fade, but burns even brighter. Let this be our collective vow to keep the flame of her courage alive in our homes, our council chambers, our communities,

00:08:15and our city. Even in our heartbreak, we are reminded, yesterday I dared the struggle, today I dare to win. Let us carry that spirit forward in honour of Councillor Brenda Dammie. I thank you.

Applications for leave of absence and apologies

00:08:36We now proceed to application of leaves of absence.

00:08:44Thank you so much, Secretary to Council. I have apologies from the EFF Caucus. Councillor Nkosi, ill health. Councillor Ngwenya, ill health. Councillor Telekoa will arrive late, and Councillor Mogapi will arrive at 11:30. Any other apologies?

00:09:08I note Councillor Makhubo, Councillor Mhlongo, Councillor Avant-Smith, Councillor Simonse and Councillor Marema, in that order.

00:09:33Good morning, Speaker. For the IFP, Councillor Khanyile is out of the province, and MMC Mabaso will arrive late. Thank you.

00:09:50Thank you very much. Good morning, Speaker. Speaker, Councillor Magwentshu is running late. I don't think that he could be here by the time when he has to speak on this memorial service. Thank you.

00:10:04Who's next? Councillor Avant-Smith.

00:10:11Good morning, Speaker. Good morning, Dammie family. We have Councillor Nkomo, Councillor Dewes and Councillor Deppe, who have LOAs, and then arriving late will be Councillor Shawe, Councillor Da Gama, Councillor Campbell-Cloete, and Councillor Koekemoer, and Councillor Fourie-Shawe. Thank you.

00:10:33Thank you, Councillor. Councillor Simonse.

00:10:36Good morning, Madam Speaker. Late arrivals will be Councillor May, Councillor Ponsonby and Councillor Wilskut.

00:10:46Chair of Chairs.

00:10:50Thank you very much, Speaker, for the opportunity for me to table the leave of absence or rather apologies there for the Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, who is going to arrive a bit late, Councillor Nzimande and Councillor Ndlela, oh no, they have already arrived. They indicated that they were stuck in the traffic, and I also have leave of absence for Councillor Tshehlo

00:11:20due to ill health. I thank you.

00:11:26Thank you, Councillors. Any other apologies? I don't want to miss anyone.

00:11:33Yes, Councillor, I can't see your name.

00:11:38Thank you, Speaker. I have an announcement for late arrival for Councillor Shange. She's on her way. Thank you.

00:11:46Thank you, Councillor.

00:11:53Can we then note these apologies? Thank you.

ANC message of condolence

00:12:03We are now on the message of condolence by the African National Congress.

00:12:15Councillor Tsotetsi.

00:12:22Is Councillor Tsotetsi in the house? Oh, okay.

00:12:56Good morning. I know I may be vocally wounded, but I'm tempted to sing a song that always sits in my heart. It says,emotive

00:13:15When I remember what the Lord has done, I will never go back anymore.emotive

00:13:37When I remember what the Lord has done, I will never go back anymore. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, oh no.

00:14:05I will never forget anymore. Thank you very much.emotive

00:14:19A blessed good morning to the Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero, in his absence, Speaker of Council, Councillor Arnolds, MMCs of all political parties, Chief Whip of Council, Councillor Zungu, Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema,

00:14:51Chairpersons of all Committees, fellow Councillors, our visitors in the gallery, and the Brenda Dammie family, together with the Moloisane family. Silence falls, tears are shed, and hearts are broken.

00:15:19Today we stand before the unbearable void left by the departure of a shining star, our beloved Councillor Brenda Happy Dammie. Her passing has left an unfillable gap in our lives, our communities, and our organisation, the African National Congress.

00:15:46Madam Speaker, as we gather to celebrate Councillor Dammie's life and legacy, we remember her tireless dedication to the African National Congress and the people of Ward 29, where she was a Councillor. She was a pillar of strength, a guiding light, and a beacon of hope. Her commitment to public service

00:16:17was unwavering, and her passion for justice and equality was just too contagious. As Whip of the ANC Caucus, affectionately known as the Deputy Chief Whip, Councillor Dammie demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, ensuring that the caucus functioned with integrity and purpose.

00:16:45Her role as the Chairperson of Rules Committee and a member of programming team was instrumental in shaping the Council's agenda and ensuring its smooth operation. To the female Councillors of the ANC Caucus, whom she affectionately called Flowers of Tambo, Councillor Dammie was a mentor,

00:17:13a role model, and a guardian. She nurtured guidance, she nurtured and guided us with care, encouraging us to bloom in our roles and to make our mark in our communities. Her legacy amongst us is one of empowerment, leadership, and sisterhood. We draw inspiration from the trailblazers who paved the way for us,

00:17:44women like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Charlotte Maxeke, Albertina Sisulu, and Constance Connie Bapela, who exemplified courage, resilience, and dedication to the struggle of freedom and equity. May their beautiful souls rest in peace. Today, we honour Councillor Dammie's memory by placing her alongside these icons, recognising her own contributions to our struggle

00:18:15for a better life for all. We will continue to draw strength from her example and strive to make her proud as we carry the torch of Ruth Mompati's legacy forward, continuing to fight for a just and equitable society. Madam Speaker, Councillor Dammie was not only a leader, but a diva with an impeccable sense of style.

00:18:46She loved walking in her 18-inch heels, and her wardrobe was testament to her flair for drama. She always insisted that we look our best, whether in Council or serving the communities, and her mantra was just simple, if we represent the people, we must represent with dignity and style. Her beautiful dresses,

00:19:16her poised demeanour, and her radiant smile made her a true icon in our minds. She carried herself with confidence and poise, inspiring us all to do the same. Councillor Brenda would always ask us, the female caucus, to look our best, and whenever she comes

00:19:45and look at us, she would always say, I want you to be like this, you must look like this. And she always insisted on us wearing stockings. And she would come here with no stockings herself, and we say, Councillor, kanti these stockings, are they only meant for us?

00:20:10SesothoA re, "No,

00:20:12I don't wear stockings. Why would I have to hide my beautiful legs? I've got beautiful legs, so I don't have to hide my legs." So,

00:20:21Sesothorona

00:20:22we don't have these legs, so that is why we have to wear stockings. But in any way, that's what Councillor Brenda was. Councillor Dammie knew how to balance work and pleasure with finesse. She always made time for travel, exploring new destinations, and experiencing different cultures. She savoured the finest drinks from the most exquisite glasses,

00:20:55and her love for beautiful things was evident in every aspect of her life. She lived her life to the fullest, embracing every moment with passion and joy. Her zest for life was contagious, and we are all better at knowing her, whether in Council or at leisure. Councillor Dammie was always a vision of elegance

00:21:25and poise, inspiring us to live our lives with the same level of sophistication and enthusiasm. Though her voice is silent now, her impact echoes in every corner of our lives. We remember not just how she died, but how she lived as well. Speaking about Councillor Dammie, I remember when we went to bury her little brother in Hammanskraal.

00:22:01When we got there, I heard her speak, and I thought perhaps she's just passing a message as a family member. And to our surprise, Councillor Dammie was the programme director at her brother's funeral, which tells you that the leadership skill in her

00:22:31could not be ignored. I then said to COC, is Councillor Brenda the programme director?

00:22:42SesothoA re, "No,

00:22:43from the way I can see, from where I can hear, it looks like she is the programme director." So leadership in Brenda Dammie lived in her. She could not resist being a leader wherever she went. Even amid illness, Councillor Dammie's strength and resilience shone through. Despite the pain and challenges she faced, she never showed weakness,

00:23:13never complained, and never asked for pity. The strength of her character, the beauty of her spirit, and the elegance of her presence will forever be etched in our memories. Councillor Dammie's life was a testament to her strength, resilience, and determination. She faced challenges head-on, never faltering in her commitment to her community and the organisation of the African National Congress.

00:23:46Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her memory will continue to inspire us to strive for excellence, to serve with compassion, and to be led with integrity. As we bid farewell to our beloved Councillor Brenda Happy Dammie, we celebrate the enormous work she did for our community, particularly in ensuring that our people were served with dignity, and that issues of governance

00:24:18were always at the forefront. Her tireless efforts to educate us on party politics and issues of governance will never be forgotten. Her work on issues affecting our community, including challenges with Eskom and City Power, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the people that she served. We extend our deepest gratitude to her family for allowing us,

00:24:49the African National Congress and the residents of the City of Johannesburg, to have spent precious time with her, to pay our respect, and to celebrate her life. May her legacy inspire us to build a Johannesburg that is a beacon of hope, a city of gold that shines brightly with opportunity, innovation, and inclusiveness,

00:25:19a world-class city where all its citizens can live with dignity, thrive with prosperity, and reach their full potential. May her memory continue to guide us as we strive to make this vision a reality. I thank you.

00:25:43isiZulu[singing] Oliver, Oliver OR Tambo. U Tambo uthi natsi inkonzo yekhaya

ACDP condolence message

00:26:46We'll now have messages of condolence by the other political parties.

00:26:54ACDP, Councillor Harris, 5 minutes.

00:27:12To the Dammie family, on behalf of the African Christian Democratic Party, I welcome you to this chamber at this trying time. Mr Mayor in absentia, Madam Speaker, MMCs, Chairs, Chief Whip,

00:27:42guests, I welcome you, and I trust that this morning, as we gather together with the family, we will be in unity of spirit with them. We must at this time get to our only source of comfort, which is the Bible. And Psalm 23 starts with the Lord.

00:28:11The Lord is, the Lord is my shepherd. The Psalm speaks of God's provision, His protection, and His grace, His peace. Verse 4, the last part of verse 4 talks about the rod and your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Our Councillor Brenda wasemotive

00:28:42a stylish person, and I thank you, Councillor Tsotetsi, for the chorus, and for the lovely memories you had spoken about her. I didn't want to talk about her stylishness because, yeah, that's another story, but she was stylish. She was a leader. She was a servant. She was an activist, and to the people of Ward 29, Noordgesig, Diepkloof, you have lostemotive

00:29:14a true servant that would have walked through the fire with you. The trials that she went through never dampened her spirit. She knew about death because she buried her father, husband, brother. She struggled in that area, but I think it was an example that she had set to the rest of us as to how do we approach thisemotive

00:29:44beast called death that we can never ever come to terms with. But she showed us in her life how to deal with it. She showed us how to deal with this thing called cancer, the sickness.emotive

00:30:00which afflicts our women particularly.emotive

00:30:04She dealt with it so strongly.emotive

00:30:10Through the chemo, through the radiation, through the operations, she stayed strong. You would never know that she was going through those trials when you saw her walking the corridors of this chamber. So no one understands your pain, family. Absolutely no one.emotive

00:30:32But the Lord is the only one that understands that. We can only turn to this supreme source of peace and comfort at this time, the Lord.emotive

00:30:46So family, know this. Our sister Brenda left a strong legacy. So to you I say, be strong.emotive

00:30:59Be brave. Serve, lead, and take up the baton that our sister Brenda has left us. So I thank you.emotive

00:31:12Thank you, Councillor Harris.

ActionSA condolence message

00:31:17Councillor Edward, ActionSA.

00:31:42Switch on the mic, please, councillor.

00:31:52There we go. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good morning, Honourable Mayor, MMCs, Chief Whip, Chair of Chairs, Chairpersons, Councillors, and fellow residents. I stand here with a very heavy heart yet full of gratitude as we pay tribute to a woman who was not only my colleague and comrade,emotive

00:32:19but my dear friend. Councillor Brenda Dammie, fondly known by many and affectionately to me as Choma, Brenda was more was more than just more than a councillor. She was a mother, a sister, a confidante, and above all, a light in so many people's lives. From the very first sitting we shared in council,emotive

00:32:47we clicked. There was something special about her spirit, something familiar, something warm. She had that rare gift, the ability to make every person she interacted with feel very important, feel seen, feel special, and that was her superpower. She would always call me Choma. A word that means friend.emotive

00:33:15But to her, it was more than just a word. It was declaration of her loyalty, her kindness, and her her open heart. I remember those weekends together watching soccer, not because we were die-hard fans, but because that was our time. Our time to bond, our time to share laughter, and to open up about things that really mattered in our lives, our family,

00:33:44our life purpose. That is where I met her daughter her precious daughter, Lebo, and it was clear to me the love Brenda had for her daughter was deep, unwavering, and proud. Councillor Dammie was elegant and strength personified. She would always say with a cheeky smile,

00:34:10"A girl must always wear lipstick and put on high heels." And true to her words, Brenda carried herself with such grace. Whether in a council chamber or in the community, she showed up. She showed up fully in presence, in purpose, and in passion. She was committed to her work as a councillor and a chairperson. Never half-hearted, never distracted.emotive

00:34:39When tragedy struck in her ward and innocent children lost their lives due to poisonous food bought from local spaza shops, Brenda did not sit back. She mourned with the families. She stood with her community, and she fought fiercely for their safety and well-being. That was who she was, a servant of the people, a guardian of the vulnerable. ActionSA joins in extending heartfelt condolences to the Dammie family.

00:35:12The entire ActionSA caucus feels this loss deeply. Each of us has a memory of her warm smile, her laughter, her elegance, and above all, her ability to remind us of the humanity behind politics. We've lost not just a councillor, a friend, and a comrade who left a mark on our hearts,emotive

00:35:37but someone who championed servant leadership. Last week, we graduated from the Wits School of Governance, and while it was a proud moment, it was also incredibly bittersweet. My Choma was not there. I remember us in class whispering like schoolgirls, laughing, and commenting on everything. She made learning joyful. She made life lighter. To her daughter, Lebo,emotive

00:36:07and the rest of the family, thank you for sharing Brenda with us. We know she was a mother, a sister, and an aunt to you, and yet she also managed to become a motherly presence to all of us. Her legacy lives on in our memories, in our hearts, and in the example she set. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race.emotive

00:36:36I have kept the faith." Brenda fought the good fight. She remained faithful to her calling, and she ran her race with elegance and integrity. As in Psalms 34:18 reminds us, "The Lord is close to the heart uh the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." May we find May we find comfort in knowing that God is with us in this time of mourning.emotive

00:37:06Rest well, my friend, Councillor Brenda Dammie. Rest well, my Choma. Your life was a blessing. Your memory is a is a treasure. You are loved You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. May your soul rest in peace. Thank you.emotive

COPE condolence message

00:37:24Thank you, Councillor. Councillor Mokome, COPE.

00:37:45Thank you, Madam Speaker, and good morning. May I also acknowledge the Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero, in absentia, the MMCs, the bereaved Dammie family, Chief Whip of Council, Councillor Sithembiso Zungu, Chair of Chairs, Councillor Adolph Marema,

00:38:15Section 79 Chairpersons, Secretary to Council, Andile Gobinca, and officials, the ANC caucus, all political parties, the media, ladies I beg your pardon. Residents of the City of Johannesburg, ladies and gentlemen, Madam Speaker, on a lighter note,

00:38:44Sepediin our African language ba re lehu le legolo ke tshego.

00:38:52Loosely translated, in tough moments, in moments like this where there's death, but there's also that momentum kind of a situation where we can laugh. And in context, Madam Speaker, personally, I'm going to miss those impromptu photoshoots which we had during our council meetings.

00:39:26She'd always say, "Ntate Mokome, I saw you got that outfit. Can we change next time when we meet that we become classy?" She was in that element, that kind of diva, Councillor Tsotetsi. Madam Speaker, the Congress of the People, COPE, passes its heartfelt condolences

00:39:54to the bereaved Dammie family. We share your pain and loss. We gather here today to honor and remember an extraordinary woman, Councillor Brenda Dammie, a dedicated public servant, a fierce advocate for the people of Ward 29, and a compassionate soul

00:40:25whose impact stretches far beyond the borders of Soweto. Brenda was not just a councillor. She was the heart of this community. She walked the streets with purpose, spoke with conviction, and fought tirelessly for those whose voices

00:40:55often went unheard, whether it was securing housing rights, championing youth development, or addressing basic service delivery issues. She served not for power or position, but out of deep and unwavering love for her people. Her office door was always open.

00:41:27More than that, her heart was often open. Open to the elderly looking for social assistance, to the young people seeking job opportunities, and to the many families she helped. Often quietly and without any fanfare.

00:41:57She believed that leadership meant listening, and she gave each person she met her full attention and respect. Brenda's legacy is not just in the policies she shaped or the project she launched. It lived in the lives she touched, the communities she uplifted, and the hope she inspired.emotive

00:42:30We mourn her loss deeply because she was not just a leader. She was a sister, a mentor, a neighbor, and a friend. Her absence will be felt in every ward meeting, in every youth program, in every community gathering where her voice once rang clear with vision and purpose.emotive

00:43:02To her family, thank you for sharing her with us. We know the hours were long. We know the demand never ended. But because of her, our lives are better, our streets are safer, our future is brighter. Let us carry her torch forward with dignity,emotive

00:43:33unity, and commitment. That is how we honor Brenda. That is how we keep her spirit alive. Rest in peace, Councillor Brenda Dammie. Your work here is done, but your legacy will live in Diepkloof, in Ward 29 and beyond, and in every heart you touched.emotive

00:44:06SesothoModimo wa motjha, ntsha modimo wa kgale. Lesedi, kgotso, kganya.emotive

DA condolence message

00:44:12I thank you. Thank you, Councillor Mokome. Um, the DA, Councillor Harman.

00:44:37Good morning, Madam Speaker, to the Executive Mayor in his absence, to the ANC caucus, and to the rest of the caucus, including the DA caucus, and to the family of Councillor Dammie. People come and people go. People come and people go. And very few people really touch your heart, truly touch your heart. And one of those people was Councillor Dammie.emotive

00:45:09Now, in this chamber, we don't really get to know those in other parties that well. We don't really I think our environment makes us quite hard and makes us actually quite um agitated, irritated a lot of the time. But there are friendships that do form even across from the other side of the chamber. I first got to meet Brenda uh when we went to Wits Wits School of Governance, and uhclaim

00:45:39I walked in and I thought there were two chairs. I was made the team leader. Well, they voted me to be the team leader, not against my will, um, but I was. And uh, our syndicate, our team, was the Flying Penguins. And I want to ask two of my Flying Penguin colleagues to please stand up, Councillor Edward and Councillor Marumo.

00:46:04We were a proud team, and we understood that we were leading from heart. And Brenda Dammie was very much a part of all the time really listening and being part of our team, and reminding us to be compassionate, and all the time listening to each other. And she actually at all times reminded us of our humanity and of being one unit and one. And without her, we wouldn't have been the syndicate that we were with the Flying Penguins.

00:46:34Thank you to my two um ex-graduates, past my two fellow graduates. Her illness never stopped her. She really was sick. And what interested me is I went to her the one day and I said, "Brenda, why don't you just withdraw from studies?" And she said, "No." And she called me Lucens. "Lucens, all I want to do is I want to finish this. It's important to me." And so she carried on even though she was sick.claim

00:47:02There were days that she didn't come into class. There were days that she just you could see she wasn't okay, but she never let you know. She never moaned. She never ever said a negative word. She always walked with grace and dignity no matter what until her last breath. And then I was moved to the Rules Committee, and I've never been in a committee that was so calm, so professional, and so fair.claim

00:47:31This lady really was an absolute legend for me in every single way in the way that and a real example how we should lead and how we should be better as councillors in everything we do. She was passionate about the three upcoming policies which are coming to council this week, alderman policy, the councillor protection policy, and the funeral policy. This was very important to her. You could see the tears almost welling up in her eyes when again a councillor was killed,claim

00:48:01when again she saw that the families were burdened with the cost of a councillor dying. She didn't graduate last week with us at Wits Governance. Two ANC councillors didn't graduate from our class. And she never gets to see these three important policies go through in council this week. What I can say, she touched hearts with compassion, with respect,

00:48:31and with fairness, and she will be sorely missed. Not in the chamber, in the Rules Committee, in everything and everywhere she went, in her ward and with her beloved family. People come, people go. People come, people go. I'm going to ask you, touch people's hearts. That's the message she left for us. On behalf of the DA Johannesburg caucus,

00:48:59I extend our deepest condolences to you, the family, to the ANC caucus, to her friends, and her colleagues across this chamber. I thank you.

IFP condolence message

00:49:16Thank you, Councillor. Councillor Makhuba from the IFP.

00:49:35isiZuluYebo baba, ngibeka ithemba lami. Uwe Ma, ngibeka ithemba lami.

00:49:55Honourable Speaker, Executive Mayor in absentia, Chief Whip of Council, Chair of Chairs and Chairpersons of Committees, Members of the Mayoral Committee, the IFP caucus leader, Councillors, and the Dammie family, residents and friends in the gallery.

00:50:24We gather here today to pay tribute to one of our own, Councillor Brenda Dammie, who was a mother, a community leader, and a member of the African National Congress in good standing. The IFP was deeply saddened to hear that Councillor Dammie had passed away. We can only imagine the pain her family is in.emotive

00:50:53We understand that it is never easy to accept, but would like to leave you with the following message from Matthew 5:4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." And to the Dammie family, God is with you during these trying times. Like it is said also in Revelations 21:4emotive

00:51:21that He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. As we celebrate the dash between her date of birth and the date of death, we will forever miss her. Councillor Dammie did not just do her job,emotive

00:51:49but inspired excellence. She led the ANC caucus with dedication, and her work ethic set the standard for all of us. Her kindness, warmth, and her smile will be missed in this council. On behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party, may Councillor Brenda Dammie's soul rest in perfect peace and rise in glory. I thank you, Speaker.emotive

Patriotic Alliance condolence message

00:52:17Thank you, Councillor. The PA, Councillor Kaldine.

00:52:42Thank you, Speaker. Greetings, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor in absentia, Chief Whip of Council, Honourable Chair of Chairs, PA Joburg 10 caucus, residents in the City of Johannesburg, and the family of the late Chairperson, Councillor Brenda Dammie. Today we gather with heavy hearts to pay tribute to a woman of strength, dedication, and unwavering services.

00:53:12Councillor Brenda Dammie, who served as a chairperson under the leadership of our Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema. On behalf of the Patriotic Alliance and the Section 79 Development Planning Committee in the City of Johannesburg, I stand before you today to honor a leader who gave her all to her community and this city. Councillor Brenda was more than just a ward councillor. She was a champion of progress, a voice for the voiceless,

00:53:41a servant of the people, and a relentless advocate for development and dignity within this city. Her work within the Section 79 committee she chaired was marked by her passion for inclusive growth and her belief in growing this city. She reminded us constantly that behind every policy and every plan, there are lives, hopes, and futures. Through her leadership, her ward saw not only development in infrastructure,

00:54:12but also in unity and hope. She understood that planning was not just about building bricks, but building relationships despite political differences. Between the government of the day and people in society, she always advocated for accountability. Councillor Brenda's presence in the city council brought with it purpose and often a much-needed reminder of why we are here as public servants.emotive

00:54:41She stood for accountability, transparency, and a deep-rooted compassion that uplifted all who worked with her and beside her. To her family, her loved ones, and of course, the ANC caucus, we extend our deepest condolences and know that your loss is shared by a grateful city that Councillor Brenda's legacy will not be forgotten. Her contributions will continue to live in every improved ward, every empowered resident, and every young person inspired by her leadership.emotive

00:55:14May we honor her memory by continuing the work she started with the same integrity, courage, and love that defined her life. Rest in power, Councillor Brenda Dammie. Your light will continue to guide us, and I want to thank your family today for giving you to a society, a society that will miss you dearly. I thank you.emotive

PAC condolence message

00:55:36Thank you, Councillor. Uh, the PAC, MMC Nkonko.

00:56:00Uh, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, fellow councillors, and most importantly, the family of our dearly beloved Councillor Brenda Dammie. Mabrrr, as we usually call her. I greet you all with the greatest sadness this morning. It is with a heavy heart

00:56:32and a profound sorrow that we gather here today to pay tribute to one of our own, Councillor Brenda Dammie, a servant of the people, a woman of deep conviction, a leader who poured her heart and soul into the community of Ward 29.

00:57:02Though her life was cut tragically short, her passing is not only a personal loss to her family and comrades, it is a significant blow to the people of Johannesburg, and even more profoundly to the community she served with tireless dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to service delivery.

00:57:33Councillor Dammie was not simply a councillor. She was a woman of integrity, a principled and a disciplined leader, and a living embodiment of Pan-Africanist ethos. She championed the African unity, advocated for community empowerment, and consistently stood for what

00:58:04was right. I had the privilege of working closely with Councillor Dammie. She was fearless in her pursuit of solution, unafraid to ask difficult question, and relentlessly in her drive for meaningful progress in her ward. She held us accountable for lack of service delivery. As the Pan Africanist Congress

00:58:34of Azania, we mourn her loss deeply. She was a comrade who lived by the core principles, service, sacrifice, and self-determination. She believed in the PAC vision of united Azania, free from inequality, free from dispossession, and led by the Africans for Africans. To her beloved family,

00:59:03you carried a giant in a dynamite form. Her strength, her voice, her fire, this now live in all of us. Thank you for sharing her with us for this period. Her legacy will live on in all we do. Let us not only mourn her passing, but let us honor her life by continuing her work. Let us walk in the streets of Noordgesig

00:59:35and Diepkloof with the same purpose and care she did. Let her name echo in council's meeting, in community halls, and in corridors of power in council meetings, sorry, in corridors of power as a constant reminder of what a true woman leadership looks like. In the spirit

01:00:00of Robert Sobukwe, our founding leader and moral compass, he reminded us that the fight for justice is not won in a single day. It is won through a reckless sacrifice, unbreakable discipline and a deep unshakable belief in the righteousness of our cause.

01:00:28For this reason, we salute Councillor Dammie contribution, not merely with words, but with renewed commitment. For the best way to honour those who have fallen is to pick up the spear, raise the banner and continue the struggle until the victory is certain. Comrades, revolution continues. The land question remains unresolved. Our people still endure the chains of economic

01:00:57bondage. Eish.

01:01:05But we will not be deterred. Let the memory of Councillor Brenda Dammie push us forward, ever vigilant, ever defiant. Guided by Sobukwe's words, we are fighting for the noblest cause on Earth, the liberation of mankind. This is a supreme task of our generation.

01:01:27SetswanaRobala ka kagiso,

01:01:28Councillor Radebe, rest in peace, noble daughter of the soil. Africa will remember you.

01:01:36isiZuluIzwe lethu.

UIM condolence message

01:01:40Thank you, MMC. UIM, Councillor Abdool.

01:02:02Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good morning, EM, Madam Speaker, all our MMCs, chairpersons, and every councillor here present, as well as our guests in the foyer, and our people watching online. And special greetings to Councillor Dammie's family, and a very, very special greeting to Kelebogile. When I heard her name, I knew that Councillor Dammieemotive

01:02:29was grateful when she was born. I loved Councillor Dammie. And I think a lot of councillors can agree with me that she was a lovable person. It is not always that you meet people and you just love them instantly. And guess what? We used to tell each other, "I love you."emotive

01:02:57And when she passed away, it was a shock, but there was a peace in my heart when I heard that. Remember, just a few months ago, we lost Councillor Buthelezi, and uh Councillor Jongama will will attest to the fact that I was broken. I cried. I could not even attend an event. With Councillor Dammie, I I was sad,emotive

01:03:27but I knew where she is. I knew that her soul is with God. So, I was not uh, you know, too sad. I knew that she was safe in the arms of God. I'm not part of the ANC lady caucus, but she always checked my dress code as well. She would tell me, "Okay, you look you look beautiful today." And today when I got dressed, I'm thinking, "Eh, what would Councillor Dammie have said about uh my my dress code?"emotive

01:03:58I think she would have appreciated the beautiful cerise um uh what do you call this? What we are wearing, the scarfs. Thank you, uh Madam Speaker, for making us look beautiful on behalf of Councillor Dammie. We always greeted each other in the morning or lunchtime, or anytime when we met each other on that corner. But for some reason, the last time we were at council,emotive

01:04:27we never got to greet each other, it was so quick and fast. I I went home and I thought I never greeted Councillor Dammie. Only God knows why certain things happen. I have peace in my heart, and I know that she's with Christ. We miss her in the physical, but we know she will live in our hearts. Each and every one of us carries a piece of what Councillor Dammie has left with us. And I would like to say the following.emotive

01:04:55You know, yes, we are sitting in council and we are from different political parties. But you know what? We are, in essence, human beings, and we actually need each other as human beings. And we must get to the point where we don't just look at each other through the eyes of political T-shirts and political ideologies, but through the eyes of Christ, through the eyes of God, through the eyes of the Creator who made us as human beings, and we need each other as human beings. And those are the the that is the essence that I always got fromemotive

01:05:27Councillor Dammie. I will miss her smile. I will miss her compliments, her consistency. I never saw her bekdik in council. She was always fine, no moods where she is concerned. Uh she was a true leader. A special message to Kelebogile, may God's strength, may God's hope, may God's love embrace you.emotive

01:05:56Make your mama proud. I know this is the most difficult year ever in your life, but you are surrounded by love. You are surrounded by strength. And I would like to encourage the family, don't desert her. Love her. Give her all the love that her mom would have given her. May she be surrounded by the love of her family, her mom's friends, the ANC caucus, and the broader community. And for us that is left behind, we are still here. We are still part of the race.emotive

01:06:28Let us run this race with humility and dignity and love. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. Thank you.emotive

EFF condolence message

01:06:40Thank you, councillor. Um Al Jama-ah, Councillor Gwamanda. Is Councillor Gwamanda here? Move to the next one. EFF, Councillor Mosehla.

01:07:42SepediKe a leboga,

01:07:43Madam Speaker.

01:07:47SepediKe tlo rata go dumedisha

01:07:53Sepediehm wena

01:07:55Madam Speaker, the Executive Mayor, Chief Whip of council, MMCs, the EFF red battalions, the City Manager

01:08:11Sepedile di-official tše dingwe tša mmasepala,

01:08:18other caucuses of council, including the ANC that we are gathered for here this morning,

01:08:28Sepedie ne sesegolo ba lelapa la ga Dammie ba ba weleng ka mahloko.

01:08:39Madam Speaker, I've tried to write a speech, but I think it's not enough.

01:08:48SepediE re ke thome ka gore

01:08:52to the Executive Mayor, the Chief Whip of council, yourself, um Speaker, the MMC of Health and Social,

01:09:08Sepedike tlo le kgopela gore

01:09:12can you please organise programs. We are not having enough fun days as councillors. We are always stressed. We don't find time with the political work that we're doing in governance to just go to see our medical practitioners and check our lives.

01:09:42We do not find time to check how far we are with conditions of our lives. And instead of bringing only first aiders to this council on council days, please bring us those specialists to at least have us checked 360.

01:10:12Like check us from um bottom up

01:10:18Sepedigore na e le gore re sa feletše naa,

01:10:23than wait for us to collapse and call first aiders to come and assist us.

01:10:30SepediRe thusheng re sa feletše, re sa phela ka matšatši ka moka. Go na le

01:10:40subject

01:10:40Sepedisekolong.

01:10:42I think it's from primary.

01:10:46SepediBa re ke LO,

01:10:48Life Orientation.

01:10:51SepediKe gopola gore

01:10:53it must be introduced here in council to teach us and channel us about life. You can take it light

01:11:08Sepedigore LO ke dilo tša sekolo.

01:11:10That subject is very as fellow citizens, as neighbours, and above all, as family bound by the legacy of struggle, service, and sacrifice. It is with a heart full of sorrow and spirit committed to solidarity that I rise to convey heartfelt condolences to the African National Congress, to the City of Johannesburg,

01:11:43to the residents of Ward 29,

01:11:46Sepediye e leng gore re a tseba gore

01:11:49it's very diverse, very diverse, like

01:11:54Sepedie swere mehlobo ka moka ga yona.

01:11:58Like

01:11:58Sepedie swere maphelo ka moka ga wona.

01:12:02Like

01:12:02Sepedire a tseba gore e produstše

01:12:05how many and what types of business people, politicians, soccer icons.

01:12:14SepediE ne re a tseba gore

01:12:16it's the mother of Soweto. Today, we don't just mourn the passing of a leader. We mourn the fall of a mighty tree in the forest of Soweto's political and social life, a tree that gave shade to the weary, direction to the lost, and fruit to the hungry.

01:12:47Councillor Dammie was not merely an elected representative. She was embraced, was trusted, and more importantly, was believed, was followed. Brenda touched all of us as councillors of the City of Johannesburg. She called many of us "choma."

01:13:14SepediNna o na nthibitša "aubuti."

01:13:17And in the words of Councillor Saseka Zitha,

01:13:24Sepedio re, "Ngwanaka,"

01:13:29even though they were fellow councillors and classmates at the Wits School of Governance. And she says she's still very sore that Councillor Dammie finished her studies at Wits, but could not graduate with the rest.

01:14:03As the Bible says in Proverbs 31:25, "She's clothed with strength, dignity. She can laugh at the days to come." And

01:14:25Sepedire a tseba gore madhir, as ba bangwe re be re mmitsa,

01:14:29was clothed with dignity you couldn't buy, a strength that refused to bow even in the face of bureaucratic storms and political winds.

01:14:45SepediKa letšatši la mafelelo meeting o fetileng, ehm o ile a bontšha

01:14:54leadership

01:14:56Sepedige a bitša khokhase ya ANC re bona ka moka ga rena, a e kgorometša ka ntle go ya go lokiša dilo.

01:15:05Because she was a leader, not just a ward councillor

01:15:10Sepediya Diepkloof, Orlando, and Noordgesig.

01:15:18It's not by mistake that um Councillor Dammie led um

01:15:30Sepedidi-sector ka moka tša

01:15:32community.

01:15:34SepediAii,

01:15:38Madam Speaker,

01:15:39Sepedintšwa le nna ya go beya nako. Ka di-condolences tšona di fihle mafelelong.

01:15:46We can't. We can't, seriously. I know

01:15:53Sepedigore e tla di tšea tše dingwe,

01:15:54but we can't.

01:15:58SepediRe dumeleleng re bolele. E ne le ntšhitiša ka mokgwa wo jwale a ke sa tseba gore ke reng.

01:16:13Councillor Mosehla, you can carry on, but you are almost onto 10 minutes. Yes, I'm just saying, Madam Speaker, in future,

01:16:25Sepedire tlogeleng re boleleng. Re no kgopela. Re beeleng nako go tše dingwe,

01:16:33not on this ones.emotive

01:16:36SepediE re ke fetše, ke tšee tše dingwe,

01:16:41because

01:16:42Sepedike ka mokgwa wo le nyakang.

01:16:56Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us

01:17:00Sepedigore

01:17:02to everything, there's a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven, a time to be born, a time to die, and so on. Our sister's time has come.

01:17:20SepediA moya wa gagwe o robale ka khutšo.

01:17:25To the ANC,

01:17:27Sepedie leng legae la gagwe,emotive

01:17:30your loss, we know, is very deep. But rememberemotive

01:17:37Sepedimantšu a lego mo go Jesaya 6:8 a reng, "Nna ke Modimo. Roma nna ke tle ke go fodiše."emotive

01:17:52To the City of Johannesburg, you have lost a pillar, a people's engineer, a servant of the soil. Honour her by continuing projects, Mayor. Honour Councillor Dammie by continuing her projects, by holding high the banner of clean and ethical governance,emotive

01:18:25and by remembering that real service is not here in the chambers, but in the streets. To her family,

01:18:41Sepedire leboga ge le be le re adimile ngwana wa lena a sa kgone go hwetša nako le lena, a sa kgone go dira dilo tše le di dirang le lena ka dinako ka moka, a dula a le botša gore o ya kopanong ya ANC, o ya lenaneong la ANC, o ya lenaneong la mmušo, a boa bošego, a tsamaya le robetše, a boa le robetše.emotive

01:19:15SepediRe a leboga. Gomme re re le gosasa ge go na le o mongwe yo a bonang gore a ka tla a re thuša go aga le go tsošološa motse wo wa Johannesburg, le re adime yena le lokologile.

01:19:33Rest in eternal peace, Councillor Brenda Dammie, mother of the ward, warrior of the poor, shepherd of the streets. We will carry your name in song, in struggle, and in the soil of the township that you lovedemotive

01:19:51Sepediya Soweto.emotive

01:19:53isiZuluLala ngoxolo,emotive

01:19:55daughter of the revolution. Your legacy is written in the hearts of the people of your ward of Johannesburg.emotive

01:20:06SepediKe a leboga.emotive

UDM condolence message

01:20:09Thank you, Councillor Mosehla. Councillor Zigebe from the UDM. And then we have Councillor Mhlongo from the AIC, and the Chair of Chairs will close. Thank you.

01:20:30Uh Councillor Zitha, my friend, you are quotable. That's power right there. Madam Speaker, the Executive Mayor, members of the executive, uh Chief Whip, Chair of Chairs, colleagues in the chairpersons committee, fellow councillors, the Dammie and Moloisane family, friends and loved ones, guests in the gallery, I greet you.

01:21:02There are leaders who speak from podiums, and then there are leaders who speak through presence, through kindness, and through sacrifice. Leading without noise, but with nurture, their legacy is not carved in stones. It is alive in the people they serve, in the lives they healed, in the hope they restored. Their absence is felt, but their impact will never leave us. Madam Speaker,emotive

01:21:32with a heavy heart, burdened by sorrow and pain, but lifted by gratitude, gratitude for having known, worked with, and been embraced by a woman whose leadership, warmth, and humanity left an indelible mark, not just in council, but on each of us who were blessed to cross her path. Councillor Brenda Dammie was the honourable councillor for Ward 29, Chairperson of the Rules Committee,emotive

01:22:01and the Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC. But beyond these titles and responsibilities, she was something far great. She was a mother, a servant of the people, a nurturer of leaders, a stylish woman, and a guardian of ethical governance. She was, in every sense, the epitome of what it means to lead with both heart and principle. To me, a young councillor from the UDM, she was a mother.emotive

01:22:32She did not look at me through political lenses. She never saw a logo or a party line. She saw a son, a young man finding his way in the complex halls of governance. And she walked beside me. She would greet me at every council meeting and rules committee, not with mere words, but with a radiant smile and a motherly hug. In a space often marked by rivalry, she made room for care. She would applaud my efforts when I rose to speak well.emotive

01:23:04She would correct me when my passion clouded my judgement. She mentored without demanding recognition, and she uplifted without expecting applause. One memory I will cherish is from January this year when we had to travel to the Eastern Cape for the funeral of one of our fellow chairpersons. uMama uDammie made sure I was included in that journey. Though she had travelled ahead of us, she checked in constantly, making sure I was well. She would call and I quote,emotive

01:23:35"Chairpersonemotive

01:23:35Sepedingwanaka,emotive

01:23:36are they treating you well?" Because she knew there was Marumo in the bus. That's who she was. She cared deeply, not just for her comrades, but for every soul around her. Her leadership in this chamber was nothing short of extraordinary. As Chairperson of the Rules Committee, she upheld the integrity of council proceedings with firmness and fairness. She brought order, discipline, and dignity to our work. As a Deputy Chief Whip,emotive

01:24:05she held her caucus together with the kind of quiet strength only true leaders possess. But it was outside these walls, in the streets and homes of Ward 29 where her heart truly beat. She was always on the ground, always listening, and always building. She believed that leadership was not about power, but about presence, not about commanding respect, but about earning trust. Her passing is not just a loss of a councillor. It is a falling of a mighty tree in the forest of service.emotive

01:24:38But her roots are still here in us, in the women she mentored, in the young leaders she encouraged, in the communities she uplifted. Colleagues, let us honour her memory not only in words, but with how we treat each other, how we serve our people, and how we rise above division to build something greater than ourselves. Let us carry her name with pride. Let us build in her honour. Let us never forget that in Councillor Brenda Dammie, we had a leader, a nurturer, and a mother to the people.emotive

01:25:11To you, the Dammie family, please accept mine and the UDM's most heartfelt condolences. Thank you for lending us your mother, your daughter, and your sister, your matriarch, a gallant leader who gave herself wholly to the cause of justice, dignity, and humanity. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please know that her impact was eternal. We were the beneficiaries of her love, of her leadership, of her laughter. She didn't just pass through this world. She builtemotive

01:25:42with it within it.emotive

01:25:45isiXhosaLusapho lakowethu, amaXhosa athi umbethe ulala kwindaba ngendaba. Niyisele ke le ndebe nokuba iyakrakra ngokuba idalelwe nina. Aze uMvelinqangi, uMfihlakalo wezulu abe nani, anombathise ngengubo yothando, ingubo yemvisiswano, ingubo yentoemotive

AIC condolence message

01:30:01In her we saw a councillor who never forgot why she was elected. Whether it was a service delivery protest, a broken water pipe or a call from a distressed resident, Comrade Dammie showed up. She showed up when it was uncomfortable. She showed up when no one else would. That was the measure of her leadership: responsive, dependable and authentic.

01:30:27I had the honour of working alongside her in various forums and engagements. When Chairperson, when Councillor Edward was standing here, she said, I quote, they used to call each other chomi. She never only called only the female councillors that name. She would call anyone of us. I was also his chomi, her chomi. So that's the kind of a woman that she was.

01:30:57I had that honour of working with her. What always stood out was her deep sense of empathy and her relentless pursuit of dignity for her community. In a time when many seek position over purpose, Councillor Dammie chose purpose. She loved her people, she loved her movement and she was loyal to the cause of justice and equality.

01:31:22Her contribution to this council and to the broader project of transforming our city will never be forgotten. To the Dammie family, thank you for sharing Councillor Brenda with us. We know that her political journey came at a great sacrifice to you. Today we gather not only to mourn,

01:31:42but to celebrate a life that was lived in full commitment to public service. Let us not allow her legacy to fade with time. Let us honour her by serving our people better, listening more and leading with compassion. Rest in peace, Councillor Dammie. You ran your race with honour and your memory will continue to guide us in this chamber. To the family,emotive

01:32:07isiZulusithi ngesiZulu akuhlanga lungehlanga, nihlale emseni kaNkulunkulu, uJehova abe nani ngaso sonke isikhathi.emotive

01:32:14Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Chair of Chairs' closing tribute

01:32:16Thank you, Councillor Mhlongo. Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema.

01:32:33Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Councillor Dammie used to sit next to me. Today I'm sitting there next to the candle placed next to the chair where we used to gossip, caucus, analyse, laugh about everything that happens in council.

01:33:00Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero, Whip of Council, Members of the Mayoral Committee, Chairpersons of Section 79 committees, Councillors, ANC caucus, family of the beloved Councillor Brenda Dammie, comrades and friends in the gallery.

01:33:31Today we gather not only in sorrow, but in reverence to honour a woman who served with grace, led with quiet strength and lived with colour. Councillor Brenda Dammie did not just occupy positions, she carried them with dignity and commitment. As a proud member of the African National Congress, Councillor Brenda served as a councillor for Ward 29,claim

01:33:56Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC caucus, Chairperson of Section 79 Committee on Rules. These were not just titles. These were sites of labour where she did the real work, holding caucus together, ensuring discipline, order, participation in council. She was an ANC leader in every sense, loyal to the cause,

01:34:24committed to the people and principled in her conduct. Like many of our revolutionary women, the mbokodo, who came before us, Brenda possessed a kind of strength that did not shout. She was not the loudest, she was the loudest in the room, most vibrant. We always knew she was there. Her leadership was not flamboyant, but firm.emotive

01:34:54Her presence was never forced, yet always felt. She reminded me of a wild mushroom or a flower breaking through the soil after a storm. You don't hear it emerge. You don't feel the ground tremble beneath it. But one day, there it is blooming, soft and bright, offering beauty and shade in equal measure. Brenda was like that, a gentle soul, never seeking applause, but always transforming the space around heremotive

01:35:24with her presence. She sat next to me in council and many times I'd look over and we'd share whispers, laughters, raised eyebrows, a side eye through long debates. Her laughter, oh her laughter, it wasn't loud,emotive

01:35:43but it was honest, unfiltered. She had always, she had a way of laughing with her whole face, her whole spirit. She found joy even in the long hours of council work, and her joy was contagious. Brenda was vibrant, colourful personality. She adored being well dressed, and if your outfit didn't match, she would not let it slide.emotive

01:36:10She cared about how we showed up, because to her, serving the people meant presenting ourselves with dignity. She believed councillors must read, prepare and never arrive at council uninformed. She was firm, but never harsh. And somehow, even her sternest words felt like care. And then there was her love for soccer.emotive

01:36:37Brenda supported the game. She would often approach me quietly during Chairpersons Committee meeting, even on the Chairpersons Committee WhatsApp group, "Chair of Chairs, don't you have two tickets there?" No matter who was playing at the PSL, derbies, small clubs, if there was football, Brenda wanted to be there. That was her drawn to energy, drawn to community, drawn to joy.emotive

01:37:08Yet behind the joy and the laughter, Brenda was also carrying pain. She was sick for a long time, but very few knew. She wore her suffering like a badge. She came to work, she chaired her meetings, she led the caucus, she smiled, she served. Even when her body grew weaker, her spirit remained immovable. It was only when she physically could no longer go on that she allowed herself to rest.emotive

01:37:38She leaves us with many lessons: that service must never be conditional, that leadership can be quiet and still powerful, that joy is revolutionary, that being gentle does not mean being weak, that being present consistently and humbly is a form of activism too. She reminded us as Jessie Duarte once embodied,emotive

01:38:07that you do not need a loud voice to be heard. You just need to be consistent and loyal to the people. Brenda was consistent, loyal, present, a woman of the people. To her family, thank you for sharing her with us. You gave us not just a councillor,emotive

01:38:27but a comrade, a sister, a friend. If heaven has a council, I have no doubt Brenda is already checking the attendance register. I have no doubt Brenda is checking who is wearing according to how the ANC would want to see us wearing, reminding someone to read the agenda and asking the angels to keep on time.emotive

01:38:53SesothoRobala ka kgotso,emotive

01:38:54Councillor Brenda, gentle flower of the revolution, mbokodo of our discipline, lover of the laughter, servant of the people. You are missed, you are honoured, you are loved. I thank you.emotive

Executive Mayor's tribute

01:39:11Thank you, Chair of Chairs. We now give opportunity to the Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero.

01:39:35Thank you, Speaker of Council, Chief Whip of Council, Councillor Zungu, the Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema. To the Dammie family and Moloisane family,

01:39:49Setswanare a le dumedisa.

01:39:51Leaders of political parties, also greeted. Let me take this opportunity to say my farewells to Comrade Brenda. We had an opportunity to have served with her both in council and in the party. Councillor Dammie came into activism of the African National Congress and in Ward 29, first and foremost

01:40:23came as a CDW, serving communities in the area, and of course came into the structures of the ANC, participated fully as a member of the ANC, served in the Branch Executive Committee of the ANC, she served in the Women's League structures of the ANC. Comrade Brenda was indeed one of those activists in the ANC who would always check on every comrade on how they are feeling

01:40:56and whether they are fine. She had the ability to call and touch base with majority of us as members of the ANC. We were sitting here in council about to vote for the budget, and the numbers were not numbering.

01:41:25And our friends in the 44 had already turned against us at that time. The fabulous 44 had turned against us. We ran around with the Chief Whip and the Chair of Chairs, and Brenda at that time was at a doctor, supposed to receive a normal treatment.

01:41:54And we asked her that we are short of one. And she said, "I'm coming. The doctor can wait." She left Flora Hospital on that day, rushing to come and vote. So, Madam Speaker, what we did was to sing and sing. We asked for a long caucus, and you could see the fabulous 44 were not sure

01:42:23what the ANC was doing. And indeed, Brenda arrived. And we knew that we are done with those who are opposed to the budget. And I looked at the councillors on this side, and I was smiling, knowing that we now have the numbers. And indeed,

01:42:54we voted for the budget because of a revolutionary sacrifice, a revolutionary act, because what we are trained in the ANC is that the people and the party comes first. And you as a member of the ANC come second. We have always understood that sacrifice in the ANC. And that is why Comrade Brenda

01:43:24decided to leave the doctor and come here. We appreciate her for her sacrifices in the ANC. Madam Speaker, being an activist and a revolutionary, it's not an easy task. Because it requires supreme sacrifice from yourself as the member of the movement.

01:43:58Yesterday I woke up to the news on social media that my son's name has changed. And now my son's name is

01:44:24Olusin. Olusin Morero, who looks exactly like his father. And this Olusin, his father bought him a Ferrari, a grey Ferrari. And that Olusin

01:44:54is now an ANC approved tenderpreneur in good standing. On Sunday I woke up to the news that I have bought on behalf of the city pens to the value of 500 million. The ANC has taught us

01:45:25to be thick-skinned, to accept all forms of attacks, but remain on course and do our job. My son's name is Kamogelo Morero. I don't have a son called Olusin. And I suppose

01:45:51Setswanako Setswaneng ga go na Olusin.

01:45:55Now this is the type of things that Brenda herself had to go through, including a march to her house by the community. And very few councillors here have not experienced people coming to their house. We had a councillor in the last term who wanted to resign because they attacked his house and took his daughter's phone in Ward 33 or 34, Ward 34,

01:46:30Councillor Sherman. And we had to beg him not to resign because the numbers were not numbering. I'm painting a picture here that these ward councillors from time to time experience attacks. One councillor was killed now recently, brutally shot at his house. The other one was shot and killed in a petrol station,

01:47:04in a small complex. So all these councillors experience difficulties, but they know that they have a task to serve regardless of the attacks that they experience, and Brenda was amongst those. But let's salute her for her ability to marshal the ANC caucus. She marshaled us in support of our Chief Whip.

01:47:39We all knew when we arrive, the Chief Whip, Councillor Dammie, Councillor Marema, we will all ask ourselves on the day of voting, "Is Councillor Lunga here?" And all of us will look for Councillor Lunga, because when Lunga is here, then we knew that everybody has arrived.

01:48:10We don't have to panic. And I suppose Comrade Lunga, you'll remember Comrade Brenda for always looking for you whether you are here or not. And all of us will remember her in our own little ways, how we interacted with her. She always asked for Kaizer Chiefs tickets, and I'm a Pirates fan, and I had to go and look for tickets for Kaizer Chiefs for her.

01:48:43isiZuluAlale kahle iNkosi.

01:48:45Rest well, Comrade Brenda. You have travelled and concluded your race. Thank you.

Speaker's closing condolences and Council record of Councillor Dammie

01:48:58Thank you, Executive Mayor. She definitely was a fashion police, that was Brenda. On behalf of Johannesburg, we continue to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. We understand how difficult this time must be for you as you grieve the loss of your beloved daughter, sister, mother and aunt. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

01:49:32Fellow councillors, family and friends, may you find peace that brings comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and may the loving memories of Councillor Brenda Dammie forever warm your hearts. We know that no words can truly wipe away all our tears, and even the tightest embraces may not ease the depth of your pain.

01:50:00But we urge you all to hold on to the memories, for in them she lives on. As the pain slowly fades, may the beauty of her life remain with you, with us and with this council she so dearly loved.

01:50:21On the 10th of August 2016, Councillor Brenda Dammie was sworn in to serve the people of Ward 29 with commitment and integrity. She was eventually allocated that very seat in council where her name was always proudly displayed each time she attended council meetings, a constant reminder of her presence,

01:50:53her voice and her unwavering service. Councillor Dammie served with distinction as the Chairperson of the Rules Committee and as the Deputy Chief Whip of the African National Congress caucus. These were the roles she carried with grace, with discipline and with a deep sense of responsibility.

01:51:20Tragically, on the 20th of June 2025, Councillor Dammie passed away. Her funeral service was held on the 27th of July 2025, apologies, it was 20th of July, where we bid farewell to a remarkable leader, a colleague and friend. She was also due to graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand on the 25th of July 2025,

01:51:57having successfully completed the certificate program in developing leadership for good governance through the Wits School of Governance. Though she did not get to walk across the stage, her academic journey remains a powerful testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and ethical leadership.

01:52:25Today, the council flag with a coat of arms is placed on her seat, and her name is being represented by the pillar candle and flowers, symbolizing that she will never attend council meetings anymore.

Singing and chanting in the chamber

01:53:12Who's that, hey?

01:53:16isiZuluYebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo!

01:53:39isiZuluYebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! UBrenda akalalanga, uguqile ngamadolo!

01:53:49Why are they doing that, hey? Why are they doing that? I'm not even done.

01:53:54isiZuluUBrenda akalalanga, akalalanga, uguqile ngamadolo! UBrenda akalalanga, akalalanga, uguqile ngamadolo!

01:54:03Arthur, ask them to stop.

01:54:08isiZuluUBrenda akalalanga, akalalanga, uguqile ngamadolo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo!

01:54:30isiZuluYebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo! Yebo, yebo, yebo, yebo!

01:54:41Arthur, ask them to cut.

01:54:45isiZuluUBrenda akalalanga, akalalanga, uguqile ngamadolo! UBrenda akalalanga...

Ritual removal of Councillor Dammie's name from the chamber

01:54:55This special council meeting is also being held to officially remove her name in this chamber, a protocol ritual known as

01:55:06isiZuluukusula igama,

01:55:09or to erase a name. Sad as it is for all of us, this is the reality we have to accept.

01:57:19isiZuluPhambili!

01:58:02isiZulu[inaudible] Hamba kahle Mkhonto! Mkhonto, Mkhonto weSizwe!

Remarks from the Dammie family

02:00:25We'll now have a representative from the family of Councillor Dammie to give comments.

02:00:35We have Councillor Dammie's brother, Mr Rali Moloisane.

02:00:57isiZuluAmandla! Amandla!

02:01:01Viva to the undying spirit of Brenda, viva!

02:01:07SesothoRe a leboha.

02:01:08We'd like to thank the Executive Mayor, MMCs, Chair of Chairs, Councillors, the community and everyone present here.

02:01:31Indeed it's true that a big tree that was giving a great shadow to the nation has fallen. It is true that

02:01:51the heroine has fallen. But it's the way life is. There's a time to mourn, there's a time of happiness, there's a time

02:02:10to cry, there's a time of joy, there's a time to be born and there's a time for death. All that is the will of God.

02:02:25My sister used to love the ANC with all her heart. There were even times I used to make jokes with her because I'm a church member and she's a politician. I'm saying, you know, your crowd is less. My crowd is less than your crowd. And she would vouch and say, hey boy, don't take chances. I am, I'm very powerful.

02:02:54She had a strong belief in herself. And I guess that that's what made her what she is. That's why today we're gathered here. She was Brenda for the people. She would abandon family gatherings and family meetings for the ANC.

02:03:24Of which that is indeed a comrade. Because we know that the ANC liberated South Africans from apartheid. I would like to thank all the leaders that worked with her. The Council, we are grateful

02:03:53for what we're seeing today. We realise that you lost a lot. And

02:04:01isiZuluthina

02:04:02as family as well we really lost. Nevertheless, life must go on. I would say, Council, you are serving the people. Continue doing that.

02:04:24Stay united. Work together because unity is the power. Serve the people the way my sister was doing. Vote of thanks to Mayor Dada Morero, the ANC, Chief Whip, everyone that carried us through the heavy pain

02:04:53and the heavy storm, till where we are today. In so saying, I say,

02:05:01isiXhosamakalale ngoxolo usisi Brenda.

02:05:05Thank you.

Adjournment for break and resumption arrangements

02:05:09Thank you so much. We we'll be moving out. We'll be given how to move out. But also, Councillors, we started a half an hour late because everybody had a problem with getting into Council, traffic and so we will give a 10-minute break. It is now, according to my watch,

02:05:3911:30. We'll get back into Council for the business of the day at 11:45. And you must sign the second register. Secretary to Council will now tell us how we move out. Thank you.

02:05:59We will just allow the family to be ushered out by our political leadership and I would expect protocol to also kindly assist.