Transcript: Special Council Meeting

Opening tribute to the late Councillor Raymond Nkosi

00:00:52Morning once again to everyone. The Executive Mayor, Councillor Sello Dada Morero, in absentia, the Chief Whip of Council, Councillor Kazamula Love Chauke, in absentia, the Chair of Chairs, Councillor Adolf Marema, fellow councillors,

00:01:12but most importantly the Nkosi, Letlatsa, and Vilakazi families, officials of the City of Johannesburg, members of the communities, political party leaders that are present, ladies and gentlemen. We gather here in the special council meeting not merely to mourn,

00:01:35but to honour a life that was lived with deep purpose and unrelenting courage. The life of Councillor Raymond Abraham Lincoln, born on the 12th of January, 1974. To the bereaved family, thank you for being here today.

00:01:56We 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 of healing. Today we reflect not only on what we have lost,

00:02:18but what we have gained from his life. As I looked at the late councillor's names, I asked myself, why so many names? What was the parents intention? What was the circumstances at his birth that led to these three names?

00:02:38Another thought that paced through my mind is the possibility of him being named after someone in the family. The purpose of this reflection was to try and understand the character of the late councillor, because our names influences who we become.

00:02:59According to research, Raymond means wise protector. So the late councillor was given the name to be a guardian who provides wise guidance. Our journey together with him in this very chamber and at our oversight role in the Section 79 committees

00:03:22bears a testimony of this. Raymond will sit and listen when he spoke, when it was spoken. He would command direction in the discussions. The name Abraham, a well-known character in the Bible, abundantly blessed by God. I then saw the similarities

00:03:46in the character of Abraham in the Bible and the late councillor. He was humble. He was soft. He was peaceful. He had dedication and commitment and was obedient. I was also further guided that Lincoln means strength and principled leadership.

00:04:08His death is a real loss as we will never see him again. But we cannot forget his legacy. The legacy portrayed by the meaning of those three names, the legacy that is standing out when we continue to reflect on his life. We all know that he will never suffer the pain

00:04:31of any disease that captured his body, but his spear must be picked up to continue where he left off. His memory is a responsibility of all of us, and we must ensure that the light he lit in so many hearts does not fade, but burns even brighter. Let this be our collective vow

00:04:54to keep the flame of his courage alive in our homes, our council, our communities, and our city. Even in our heartbreak, we are reminded, yesterday I dared to struggle, today I dare to win. Let us carry that same spirit in honour

00:05:17of Councillor Raymond Abraham Lincoln Nkosi.

Applications for leave of absence

00:05:27We now proceed with applications for leave of absence.

00:05:32Do we have any leave of absence? Councillor Avant-Smith?

00:05:42Thank you, Speaker. Good morning, everybody, and our sincere condolences to the family. We have quite a few late arrivals today. Sifumba, Marais, Jacobs, Steenkamp, Ncube, Mohamed, and then we have full LOAs for Councillor Dewes, Councillor Hughes, Councillor Mphefo, Councillor Bittkau,

00:06:06Councillor Ramaru, and Councillor Shabalala. And Councillor Fourie-Shawe will be here at 11:00. Thank you.

00:06:13Thank you, Councillor Smith. Councillor Boer.

00:06:21Good morning, Madam Speaker, fellow councillors. I want to put in an LOA for Councillor De Lange. He is still with the IEC Demarcation Board signing of the ward demarcations. He will join us later. And also Councillor Paul Smit, he was in hospital. He came out of hospital on Monday and he's still off sick. Thank you.

00:06:44Thank you, Councillor. Councillor Simonse.

00:06:49Good morning, Madam Speaker. Just a few late arrivals, MMC Kunene, Councillor Kaldine, Councillor Ponsonby, Councillor Cherry, Councillor May, Councillor Pitso, and then Councillor Deppe for Councillor Wilskut's ill health. Thank you.

00:07:05Thank you, Councillor Simonse. Chair Magwentshu.

00:07:11Greetings, Speaker.

00:07:13isiXhosaNdibulise nasemndenini.

00:07:15Speaker, it's late arrivals, Councillor Gwamanda, Councillor Amad, and Councillor Zigebe. Thank you.

00:07:22Thank you, Councillor. There's a councillor at the back, IFP's, I can't see your name,

00:07:27Councillor Nkokou.

00:07:28but you are...

00:07:30Good morning, Speaker. From the IFP, Councillor Nyembe, ill health. Councillor Makhuba, Councillor Manganyi, Councillor Khanyile,

00:07:45and they are running late.

00:07:50Thank you, councillors. We will accept those apologies. We will then go on, remember we're going to our other meeting later. Thank you so much.

Condolence message by the Executive Mayor

00:08:05We will now have the message of condolence by the Executive Mayor.

00:08:10Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero.

00:08:33Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Let me acknowledge the family of Councillor Nkosi, and on behalf of the City of Johannesburg and the residents of Joburg, I am honoured to give our sincere condolences to his family, his political party, the EFF, and the rest of the family, as well as the children.

00:09:00I would like to assure all of you, dear compatriots, that we too share the pain of the loss of your brother, father, and a fighter. We hope that the fact that we share your grief will help somewhat to lighten your burden, as well as rejoice that Councillor Nkosi grew to become a nation's asset,

00:09:28and an activist in service of the poor and the working class. Our city government and council are truly privileged that we have been given the opportunity to show our deep respect to Councillor Nkosi by convening this memorial service in honour, or in his honour. In acknowledging the role played by councillors

00:09:57who I regard as the nation's assets, I therefore believe that we should be allowed to honour our councillors through an official civic funeral. In doing so, I call upon the Speaker of Council to reinstate the civic funeral for current serving and former councillors. I must confess

00:10:25that I'm greatly saddened by the fact that Councillor Nkosi departed the world of the living before he completed his tasks, and before he completed the term that he's currently, was serving in. Councillor Nkosi has naturally set himself particular objectives

00:10:53when he entered this chamber. And one of the key objectives was to serve communities which he lived in, was to ensure transformation of the lives of those that were disadvantaged and marginalized. On behalf of our government and the nation, I am honoured to convey our sincere condolences once more to his family.

00:11:28Let me conclude, Madam Speaker, by sharing a small poem with the family and his party.

00:11:47You have gone, Councillor Kunene, eh Councillor Nkosi, tree of shade, hero of hearts, bearer of spirits. You were the fire that warmed this cold, the mirror of the people, the voice of the silenced.

00:12:14We rejoiced in your presence like timely rain. You did not hide, but gave yourself to the people. A person is a person through others. You lived this truth. You were the healer against fear, the spear at the mountain pass. Today we say, not to kill a man is to let him go. Do not fear our tears,

00:13:14the rainbow after rain. Go well, go well, leader of the people. Go well, go well, fighter of the freedom fighters. We will remember you until sorrow is smooth. Go well.

00:13:42SesothoRobala ka kgotso.

00:13:43Thank you.

00:13:51Thank you, Executive Mayor. I'm not sure where that comes from. Can we get that? IT.

Condolence message by the EFF

00:14:07We will now have a message of condolence by the Economic Freedom Fighters.

00:14:12Councillor N. Radebe.

00:14:17isiZuluUbasi lona, ubasi lo abamaziyo abazange bambona. Ubasi lona, ubasi lo abamaziyo abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona.

00:14:48isiZuluUbasi lona, ubasi lo abamaziyo abazange bambona. Ubasi lona, ubasi lo abamaziyo abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona.

00:15:18isiZuluUbasi lona, ubasi lo abamaziyo abazange bambona. Ubasi lona, ubasi lo abamaziyo abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange bambona, abazange bambona. Abazange, abazange bambona.

00:15:53Greetings to the Economic Freedom Fighters battalions, our caucus leader, Commissar Mgcini Tshwaku, our Chief Whip, Fighter Tsalisa Mogapi, MMC Ennie Makhafola, Chairperson of MPAC in his absence, Hospital Raseruthe, Madam Speaker, fellow councillors,

00:16:22the Letlatsa family, the Mthimkhulu family, the officials, and the Nkosi family. Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the life of our brother and our dear colleague, Councillor Raymond Nkosi, known to most of us as Bucks or Bili. Councillor Nkosi was very humble. He was free-spirited, smart, and very informative.

00:16:53During his debates, he did not need to shout to make his point across. He was always resolute. He knew his duties as a councillor and was very persistent when doing oversight on Governance Committee, and those who served on that committee can attest to it. He was very vocal and would raise critical issues without fear or favour, and you'll learn a thing or two from him.

00:17:31Councillor Bucks had passion for IGR and DDM, and wouldn't even be happy when critical items like budget adjustment are brought late because he was for cooperation and transparency. Councillor Nkosi was also very accommodating and patient to teach you even when you didn't understand. During committee oversight, he did not only look at the challenges faced by our committee,

00:17:58but also gave out resolutions to the challenges. Councillor Nkosi adopted most of us as brothers and sisters. For example, Bennie, the legal advisor in the Speaker's Office, you had just met Bucks and you guys engaged each other on a whole range of issues. And your visit to him at the hospital when he was at his weakest, it is a clear demonstration that family is not only along bloodlines.

00:18:29Councillor Nkosi was moved and touched by gestures, and he continued doing good to others. That is why today we also have uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and cousins within his family.

00:18:53On behalf of the EFF, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the entire family. Councillor Nkosi will be deeply missed, but his memory and legacy will live on through the impact he had on us all. He was an incredible colleague and even a better person, and his presence will always be felt for a very, very long time.

00:19:22isiZuluNgalamazwi ngithi kinina duduzekani nina bomndeni uNkulunkulu anibophe ngebhande linye.

00:19:32Thank you, Speaker.

00:19:33Thank you so much, Councillor.

00:19:37isiZuluSenzeni na, senzeni na, senzeni na, senzeni na, senzeni na?

00:20:01isiZuluSenzeni na, senzeni na, senzeni na, senzeni na, senzeni na?

00:20:26isiZuluSenzeni na, senzeni na, senzeni na?

Tribute by the ACDP

00:20:46We will now have messages of condolence by other political parties.

00:20:51The ACDP, Councillor R. Harris.

00:21:12Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, City Manager, MMCs, councillors, especially the caucus of the Economic Freedom Fighters and their visitors, officials, I extend a greeting to the Nkosi family who are gathered for this solemn ceremony. On behalf of the ACDP and its leader, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, and the Johannesburg caucus,

00:21:43we extend our sincerest condolences to you at this most difficult time. Participating in the political arena has its own joys and challenges. The media, particularly, are into this game of painting us as liars, as thieves, as demons, as corrupt, and so forth.

00:22:14We who share these seats know that this is not entirely true. For me, I should say for us as a ACDP caucus, Councillor Nkosi epitomized a calm, thoughtful, mature, measured, and a budding statesman. His humility shone through. So, family, we say to you, thank you for giving him the space

00:22:45to serve and contribute to the fabric of the City of Johannesburg. Now, I acknowledge there are different worldviews in this chamber. For us as Christians, we can only seek comfort from our instruction manual, the Bible. So please allow me to share with you only two verses. The first is from Matthew 5 and verse 4, which says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

00:23:16We pray that in your time of mourning, you will experience God's comfort, and Bucks' memory will lead you to a place of joy. And then from Psalm 23 and verse 4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of good and evil, through the valley of death, you are always with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." We don't know what you are going through.

00:23:47We don't know how you are processing the passing of your loved one, but we do know that you are going through one of the lowest points in your life so far. So family, know this, God is there to lead you and to console you as none of us can do. Keep Councillor Nkosi's memory alive by living the lessons he has taught you. Remember him fondly. Remember him with love

00:24:18as he traded a physical life for a spiritual life. May God bless you as you bring to memory the joy of his presence in your lives. And I thank you.

Tribute by the Freedom Front Plus

00:24:33Thank you so much, Councillor. Councillor C. Boer, Freedom Front Plus. Can we see less movement, please? Can we be respectful?

00:24:51Good morning, Madam Speaker again, Executive Mayor, fellow councillors, members of the Freedom Front, and the Nkosi family. On behalf of the Freedom Front, I want to express our sincere condolences to the family, to the Battalion 29, on the loss of your beloved councillor, Councillor Nkosi. And to the son of Councillor Nkosi, I unfortunately don't know the rest of the family,

00:25:23but to his son, I can just tell to you, you can be proud of your father. Your father set an example in this council. And if we had to rate all 270 councillors and give them points, I'm 100% sure your father would have been in the top 25. He was a dedicated councillor who served his community, and find comfort in that your father really was standing out in this council. The Speaker spoke about your father's names.

00:25:54I want to speak about his family name, and his family name is not something that his family gave him. He inherited that name from the family, Nkosi. And unfortunately, I'm not well known in your language, but I know and I found out that Nkosi has got different meanings. It can be something like chief, it can also be even a king, it can even be called for the name of God. And that brings me back to this special name your father has,

00:26:25and you've got as well, because God created us in paradise, and we see many times in the Bible where Adam was referred to as the son of God. He was Nkosi. He was the son of God, and God created us to live with him forever as his children. But we all know what happened. Adam did not listen to God. He listened to Satan, and by him, we all became slaves,

00:26:55servants of Satan. We have lost the name Nkosi. We lost it because we made ourselves slaves and servants of Satan, and because of that, we are here today to mourn about a death because God did not create death. God created life, but Satan created death, and because of we listened to him, we are here to mourn about the death of Councillor Nkosi. But it didn't stop there. We read in the Gospel of John, and I'm going to read a few verses in John 1,

00:27:28the Gospel of John 1, verses 10 to 12. And John was speaking about the Lord Jesus Christ, and he said, "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came to his own, and his own received him not." And then he goes further, and he says, "But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe

00:28:00on his name." So, although we've listened to Satan, we became slaves and servants of Satan. John says in his Gospel that we can become again Nkosi. We can again become children of God by the belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. And I'm going to close off to the family and say, find comfort, let the Lord give you comfort in this terrible loss of yours. Councillor Nkosi was not in vain on this earth. He served his people,

00:28:32and let that be the comfort for you and the family and to the son. Thank you very much.

Tribute by ActionSA

00:28:38Thank you, Councillor Boer. We now call on Councillor Coutriers from ActionSA.

00:29:12Family of Councillor Nkosi, good morning. Colleagues, good morning. As ActionSA in the City of Johannesburg and together with ActionSA as a whole, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you, the family, to the loved ones, to the friends, and indeed the colleagues,

00:29:43to the caucus, following the tragic passing of Councillor Nkosi. We are profoundly saddened by this loss. You know, serving the residents of Johannesburg requires commitment. It requires courage and it...

00:30:00It requires sacrifice. In this time of grief, we honour the contribution made in service to the people of our city and we acknowledge the dedication shown by him to public duty. This tragic loss reminds us of the fragility of life and the heavy responsibility carried by those who choose to serve. Our thoughts are with you, family as you navigate this painful period.

00:30:32We pray that you may find strength in faith. We pray comfort for you in cherished memories and support in the love that surrounds such. As a caucus and as a political movement, we stand united in mourning. We commit ourselves to supporting you in whatever possible way and to honouring a life dedicated to public service.

00:31:00Colleagues, I ask you for just five seconds. Just close your eyes and just think of our colleague that is gone now. Heavenly Father, we come before you with heavy hearts. We ask that you wrap your loving arms around this grieving family. We ask that you grant them peace that surpasses understanding and strength for each day ahead,

00:31:32and comfort in the assurance that you are near to the broken-hearted. May the soul of our departed colleague rest in peace. Amen. On behalf of the ActionSA caucus in the City of Johannesburg and ActionSA nationally, we share in your sorrow.

Tribute by the ATM

00:31:52Thank you, Councillor Coutriers. Councillor Magwentshu, Chair, ATM.

00:32:19Uh, greetings, Speaker. Greetings to the Executive Mayor. Greetings, Chair of Chairs. Greetings to all the councillors and most importantly, greetings to the Nkosi family and the EFF, EFF family.

00:32:35Uh, please speak into the mic.

00:32:39Speaker, we are here today to remember the life of Councillor Nkosi, a fighter, a gentle giant. Councillor Nkosi served in my committee, Section 79 Committee on Governance. He was one of the most disciplined members of the committee. The only time he would not be in the committee would be when he

00:33:22Even when we knew that he was in hospital, but he would still say, "Uh, I'm still in hospital," to show that he was a councillor that was dedicated to his work. He was passionate about his work. He was one of the best members in the committee. His inputs were very progressive, and you could tell that these were actually researched. Even officials

00:33:53when he was making inputs, they would really take note because there was no way that you would not listen to Councillor Nkosi when he's talking because every time he opened his mouth, he talked sense. He was passionate about ensuring that there's consequence management when things don't go right. He was passionate about ensuring that we turn things around as a city. And in remembering him,

00:34:24I think we owe it to him as these councillors to ensure that we turn things around in the City of Johannesburg. With that said, Madam Speaker, I want to say

00:34:36isiXhosaLala ngoxolo, Councillor Nkosi. Sizakukhumbula umsebenzi wakho omhle owenzile. Bantwana bakhe, siyazi ukuthi benimthanda utata wenu naye ebenithanda. Hlalani nezo memories zakhe. Akafanga, uphumlile.

00:34:56isiZuluSiyabonga, Speaker.

Tribute by COPE

00:34:58Thank you so much, Chair. Um, Councillor J. Mokome from COPE.

00:35:29Good morning, Madam Speaker. Let me also acknowledge the Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero, the bereaved Nkosi family, the Whip of Council, the Mayoral Committee, Chair of Chairs and the Section 79 Committees, all the political parties,

00:35:59the City Manager, Dr. Floyd Brink, Secretary to Council, Andile Gobinca, residents of the City of Johannesburg, guests in the media, in the gallery, ladies and gentlemen. Madam Speaker, let me juxtapose the following quotation to contextualise

00:36:33my tribute. When somebody you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory

00:37:03help comfort you tomorrow.

00:37:08SetswanaKa segarona ra re bagaetsho, la maabane le phirime, la gompieno ke gore a re tshele ka tshepo re ye pele.

00:37:25Our sincere condolences to the Nkosi family and to the EFF caucus. Madam Speaker, today we immortalise Councillor Nkosi as a good husband, a considerate father, a trustworthy head of the family, and a dependable

00:37:57member of the community, and indeed, an exemplary, consummate political figure. Let his legacy be an anchor in the Nkosi family. Madam Speaker, in the African culture generally, if an elder had passed on

00:38:28with this kind of incredible credentials, future grandchildren are named after him to keep the legacy going. And to the EFF caucus, Madam Speaker, Councillor Nkosi was more than just a public representative.

00:38:59He was a voice of the voiceless and a tireless advocate for justice and equality. He carried the hopes of the community on his shoulders and never hesitated to stand firm on his convictions, whether addressing service delivery challenges,

00:39:30or uplifting the youth, he approached every task with determination and humility. And Madam Speaker, from us as councillors in the City of Johannesburg, in his honour, we will continue to uphold Batho Pele principles by accelerating

00:40:00our service delivery mandate. I thank you.

Tribute by the Democratic Alliance

00:40:06Thank you, Councillor Mokome. Councillor S. Maila from the Democratic Alliance.

00:40:42Madam Speaker, your worship, the Executive Mayor, the Honourable, the leader of the official opposition, the tearful leadership of the Economic Freedom Fighters, and other members of the party led in this chamber

00:41:12by its caucus leader, Councillor Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, esteemed leaders of other political parties represented in our council, the bereaved Nkosi family in the completeness of your genealogy, the people of Johannesburg, greetings and salutations.

00:41:44Human history has no definitive record of the first person ever to die. But because we have all lost so many of our loved ones over the centuries, we have come to accept that death is just as natural as the arrival of a child at birth.

00:42:17So naturally, we know there will be a time for us to return to our maker, or to simply cease to exist in our present form. This is perhaps what makes us less fearful of the phenomenon of death, which has become the greatest unknown of everything unknown to humanity.

00:42:50We view death with fear, with consternation, and with uncertainty because those who depart from us do not ever return to share with us their experiences of this painful phenomenon on our planet. Whenever a loved one is taken away from us by death,

00:43:21the pain is uniquely excruciating even when we have lost other relatives and experienced death before. It doesn't matter how many times death visits one's family, each time it does, we get pained like it is the first time we come face to face with this debilitating earthly occurrence.

00:43:53Sipho Nkosi left us when some of us who were brought together by politics were beginning to appreciate his sharp mind and intellect. I served with him on the Municipal Public Accounts Committee, where he represented his party, the Economic Freedom Fighters. I came to know him as a debater

00:44:23who was not easily convinced of the correctness of a view or opinion other than that which he would be advancing at a particular time. Sipho and I had many debates. As you can imagine, I belong to a party that he would have viewed in a certain way. When I explained to him that the DA was a party for all South Africans

00:44:53and that we are the most diverse political formation in the country right now, he would skilfully divert the discussion, and we would end up discussing all manner of ill-treatment of workers on factory floors contrary to the provisions of the Labour Relations Act on fair labour practices. That was Sipho for you.

00:45:24But Madam Speaker, Sipho was ill. Every time he went for treatment, he would let me know, and he would also tell the other colleagues on the MPAC committee so that they too know the pain he was suffering. Though he was a brave young man, it was clear to all of us on the committee

00:45:55that his illness had rapidly advanced and taken a huge toll. He had lost some considerable weight, and it showed. It was sad to witness his decline until he was no longer able to attend committee meetings. As I conclude, Madam Speaker, allow me to tell you that Sipho had a side I respected very much.

00:46:25Despite our political differences, there was never a point at which I doubted his patriotism or faithfulness to his cause. Because of the many discussions we've had, I now have a better understanding of the seven non-negotiable cardinal pillars of the Economic Freedom Fighters, even though they are totally at variance

00:46:57with what we stand for as the DA. I remember telling him at one stage in order to settle the debate that I agreed only with cardinal pillar number four, which talks to the need for the country to build state and government capacity, as well as cardinal pillar number seven, which talks to an open, accountable, corruption-free government and society.

00:47:28The deal was that he would read the Federal Constitution of the DA in order for him to understand what the DA stands for, and I would read the seven non-negotiable cardinal pillars of the EFF in preparation for our political debates. I know I will miss Councillor Sipho Nkosi and our political engagements during the MPAC breaks and whenever we interact.

00:48:01To the Nkosi family, I know the pain runs deep, but please allow him to rest. I know the hearts are heavy, but I beg of you to draw your solace from the memories he has left for you and for all of us. Sipho's life was a beautiful life. It is worth celebrating. That's where our focus must be.

00:48:34isiZuluHamba kahle, Dlamini. Lala ngoxolo, Mlangeni. Ndlela enhle, Lutonga lwamavuso, sidwaba sikaLuthuli.

Tribute by Councillor Cook

00:48:54Councillor Councillor M. Cook.

00:49:14Uh, morning, Madam Speaker. Somebody doesn't want me to speak.

00:49:22IT.

00:49:24Thank you. Uh, morning, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, MMCs, fellow chairpersons of Section 79 committees, Chief Whip, Chair of Chairs, all councillors, the Nkosi family, and the EFF. Many of you will notice that this is the first service like this that I've talked at. It's not something that I do. But when I joined Council, I sat in the chair directly behind Councillor Nkosi. It was a very lonely area at the time,

00:49:54and, um, often I felt like I was on a bit of an island back there. But the one person who gave me, uh, always gave me comfort and always encouraged me was Councillor Nkosi. I had the pleasure of also serving on the MPAC committee with him, and at times we would challenge each other and push each other to see who was going to cover what piece of topic, because Councillor Nkosi and I once had a conversation which I'll never forget right at the back, where we wondered if many councillors in this chamber just took their caucus lines

00:50:26on their votes rather than reading the reports. Councillor Nkosi read every report that he was delegated to read and knew every detail in every report. He fought for what the Economic Freedom Fighters stand for, he fought for the residents of this city, and he was a true ambassador of this city, a councillor that every single person in this house can look up to as a fine example of a councillor.

00:50:56To the Nkosi family, I cannot imagine the pain that you're going through. To the EFF, you have lost a warrior and a fighter. Today we remember that a giant tree has fallen. That tree is Councillor Nkosi.

00:51:13isiXhosaLala ngoxolo, Tata Nkosi.

Tribute by the IFP

00:51:18Thank you, Councillor Cook. The IFP, Councillor T. Mkhize.

00:51:49Uh, thank you, Speaker, Executive Mayor, IFP Caucus leader,

00:52:00isiZuluuMhlonishwa uMabaso, umndeni wakwaNkosi, fellow councillors, members of the community, ngiyanibingelela. Sanibonani. Egameni le-caucus ye-IFP, Inkatha Freedom Party, sidlulisa amazwi enduduzo ajulile kakhulu emndenini, kubangani, umphakathi kanye nakozakwethu be-EFF ngokudlula emhlabeni kukaKhansela wethu uRaymond Nkosi ebesisebenzela kahle

00:52:32isiZuluas i-City of Johannesburg. Namuhla sihlangene ngobuhlungu, sikhumbula ukuthi ukudlula komuntu emhlabeni akubheki izinhlaka zepolitiki or iqembu lepolitiki. Kusithinta sonke njengabantu abasebenzela umphakathi. Silahlekelwe ngumuntu osebenzela umphakathi ngokuzinikela nokuthuthukisa izimpilo zabahlali base-City of Johannesburg. Sibhekene nesikhathi esinzima. Sibizelwe ukuba sime ndawonye,

00:53:04isiZulusibonise ubuntu, sikhuthaze futhi sihloniphe impilo edlulile ngokuzibophezela ekusebenzeleni abantu ngobuqotho. Sengathi uNkulunkulu anganinika amandla, aninike ukuthula ezinhliziyweni zenu nenduduzo ezinsukwini ezizayo. Emndenini wakwaNkosi, sithi kini angathi uNkulunkulu angapholisa amanxeba, nihlale ezwini lakhe.

00:53:35isiZuluSilahlekelwe kanye nani, anilahlekelwe nodwa. Siyayazi imisebenzi emihle ayenzile, sithi ayinduduzo ihlale iyisikhumbuzo esihle kini. Akwehlanga lungehlanga emndenini wakwaNkosi. Lala ngoxolo, Khansela Barks Nkosi. Isikhala somsebenzi wakho siyohlezi sibonakala. Mawuphumule umphefumulo wakho ngokuthula okungunaphakade. I thank you, Speaker.

Tribute by the Patriotic Alliance

00:54:02Thank you, Councillor Mkhize. Councillor Steenkamp from the PA.

00:54:22Good morning, everyone. I want to greet you all in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I want to acknowledge Madam Speaker, our Executive Mayor, Dada Morero, but most of all, the Nkosi family. Today we are not gathered here as politicians. We are gathered as a wounded community. We are standing in the shadow of a loss that feels too heavy to carry, the loss of a leader, a fighter,

00:54:53and a servant of the people, and above all, a leader who gave his heart to this community. Being a councillor is not glamorous. It is not easy. It is not comfortable. It means answering calls at midnight. It means being blamed for things beyond your control. It means walking into angry meetings and still choosing to listen. It means carrying the frustrations, the hopes,

00:55:24the tears, and the expectations of thousands of people on your shoulders, and Councillor Nkosi carried that weight. He did not serve from a distance, but he was present in our streets, at our schools, at funerals, at protests, at celebrations. When there were even floods, he was there. When there were service delivery crises, he was there. When residents felt unheard,

00:55:56he stood in the gap. Leadership in local government under the system created by the Constitution of South Africa demands accountability and proximity to the people. Councillor Nkosi understood that deeply. He understood that to lead meant to be accessible even when it cost him personally. It has cost him time away from his family, sleepless nights, the emotional burden of trying to fix

00:56:29problems that sometimes seem impossible. Yet he kept on going, not for the recognition, not for the applause, but because he believed in his community. Today we must acknowledge the pain of his family. You did not just lose a councillor, you lost a parent, a sibling, a spouse, and a loved one. While we saw a public figure, you carried the private

00:57:00sacrifices, and for that we salute you. To the residents, the fighters, to the EFF, and to every leader sitting here today, grief is real. It hurts because the relationship was real. But let us not allow this loss to divide us or discourage us, but let us, let it unite us. Let it remind us that leadership is about service, and service requires courage.

00:57:33The true measure of a councillor is not in the title or the council seats. It is in the footprints left behind in the community. And those footprints are everywhere, in every life touched, in every problem confronted, in every moment we choose to stand up for what we believe is right. Councillor Nkosi's voice will be missed. His presence will be missed. His strength will be missed.

00:58:02But let us carry forward his spirit. Lastly, I want to encourage the family with Philippians 4:6. It says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to the Lord. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ." Rest well, Councillor Nkosi. Your shift might be over,

00:58:31but you will always be remembered, and your legacy will live on. May your soul rest in peace. Thank you.

Tribute by the UDM

00:58:40Thank you, Councillor Steenkamp. Um, Councillor Y. Zigebe from the UDM.

00:58:58isiXhosaEyi, wonke umntu uyakhwaza apha. Andikwazi mna nokukhwaza.

00:59:04Can you speak into the mic, please, Chair.

00:59:07Um, Fighters, colleagues, uh, Speaker,

00:59:13isiXhosamandithi inxeba nenze bazalwane.

00:59:15I only have a few minutes. To the Nkosi family, good morning. We gather today with heavy hearts because a chair in the City of Johannesburg Council has fallen silent. And yet, in that silence, we can still hear the echo of a life that refused to be ordinary. To speak about Councillor Nkosi is not to recite a title, it is to speak about a posture, the posture of a person who chose the side of the people

00:59:45not because it was fashionable, but because it was right. Those who worked closely with him know he was a dedicated community activist who was disciplined, fearless, and firmly rooted among

01:00:00his his residents. And that is what makes this loss so sharp. Johannesburg does not only lose a councillor, Johannesburg loses a particular kind of a servant. The kind who shows up when there are no cameras, the kind who believes that politics must return to the streets, to the taxi ranks, to the queue at the clinic, to the grandma to the grandmother waiting for a social worker,

01:00:30to the young person who is searching for work, because that is what council work really is, if we are honest. It is not microphones and speeches alone, it is a hard and glamorous labour of representation, being present when communities are tired of explaining the same pain, being patient when systems move slowly, being brave when the truth is unpopular, and being disciplined when frustration tries to turn us against each other.

01:01:00In our city, the burden of governance is not theoretical, it is lived. It is a daily contest between promise and delivery, between policy and plumbing, between budget lines and whether the light stay on in a home where a child must still study. And in that space, the space between what Johannesburg is and what Johannesburg must become, Councillor Nkosi stood as one of those fighters who refused

01:01:30to accept that suffering must be normal. That is why it matters that he served as a proportional representation councillor, because proportional representation councillors are often misunderstood. People think proportional representation is distant, but some proportional representation councillors become closer to the people than many who hold wards, not through geography, but through commitment, through consistent presence

01:02:00in community struggles, through caucus discipline, through a steady hand in the machinery of council, and through loyalty to the mandate that brought them here. Councillor Nkosi carried that mandate with dignity. To the Nkosi family, today we do not speak as strangers. We speak as a council family, as a Johannesburg family, and as a city that recognizes the cost of public service. There are griefs that never become easier.

01:02:30They only become carried differently. May you be strengthened by the knowledge that his name is now stitched into the story of the city. To the Economic Freedom Fighters caucus, you have lost a comrade and a fighter not just in uniform, but in spirit. May your remembrance not end in words, but continue in the work he believed in. And to all of us across parties, this is an uncomfortable truth we must accept today. Death does not negotiate with

01:03:00political colors. It humbles all of us. It reminds us that our time in these seats is borrowed, that our legacy will never be the size of our titles, but the weight of our service. So let this tribute be more than a farewell. Let it be a recommitment to the fights to fight corruption with clean hands, to defend the dignity of the poor with courage, to treat community anger as a legitimate cry for justice, not as an inconvenience,

01:03:30and to remember that every decision we take in council eventually lands on the kitchen table of a family trying to survive. If Councillor Nkosi taught us anything, is that a councillor must be more than a politician. You must be a protector of dignity, a translator of community pain into government action, and a fighter not for personal gain, but for public good. And in honoring him, we must also not we must also speak from the depth of who we are as African

01:04:00people. In African indigenous spirituality, death is not an end, it is a transition. It is a crossing from the visible to the ancestral realm. A life lived in service does not disappear. It transforms into guidance. Those who walk upright among the people become part of the living moral compass of the community. In our tradition, we understand that the ancestors are not distant spirits floating in abstraction. They are

01:04:30custodians of memory, the guardians of justice, the witnesses of our conduct. When a servant of the people departs, we do not only mourn, we elevate. We recognize that such a life now joins the lineage of those who watch over us over the struggle of dignity. Councillor Nkosi's commitment to the poor, his rootedness among ordinary residents, his discipline in public duty, these are not lost to the soil. They are absorbed into the moral archive of our people. They become part

01:05:00of the ancestral testimony that ask us every day, "Are you serving with integrity? Are you standing with the people?" In African thought, as I close, a person does not truly die as long as their name is spoken with honor and their deeds continue to shape the living. Today, as we speak his name in this chamber, we affirm that his spirit joins the quantum of those who fought before us and those who will fight after us. Councillor Nkosi, Bugs, fighter and servant of the people, we honor you. May your family find comfort,

01:05:30may your comrades find strength, may Johannesburg find the will to continue the work. May his ancestors receive him with dignity. May his spirit rest among those who stood for justice, and may we conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of being remembered the same way. And may we who remain across all benches serve the city in a way that proves your struggle was not in vain. Thank you.

Tribute by UIM

01:05:54Thank you, Councillor. Um Councillor F. Abdool from UIM.

01:06:12In life, we meet people that we are ever so sorry that we have met, and then we meet people that we are so blessed to have met. Councillor Nkosi is one of the people that I have met and I am so blessed to have met him. Good morning, Madam Speaker, Executive Mayor, fellow councillors, and most importantly, the family of Councillor Nkosi, his wife, his son, and the rest of the beloved ones.

01:06:41And as well a special greetings to the EFF caucus. We always used to chat briefly there at the back, as Councillor Chairperson Cook has mentioned. And I got to know him better when he joined the MPAC where we both served. That is where I experienced an intelligent, good-hearted, humble person, but yet very stern in his beliefs, proper values, and principles.

01:07:10Little did I realize the severity of his illness when he used to ask for painkillers right there at the back, and sometimes we could help him, and sometimes we couldn't. It is indeed sad that he has passed in the prime of his life. He leaves a legacy of love and servanthood and sacrificial attitude towards his fellow man, his community that he served. And even here in this chamber, he always used to display respect,

01:07:40even though he disagreed with certain things being said. Never have I seen him being disrespectful to anyone. And today, I would like to say a special message to Mrs. Nkosi and his son, family and loved ones. Our deepest, heartfelt sympathy. There's not enough words to comfort you today, but know that only God knows. May his beautiful soul rest in peace.

01:08:10God bless you.

Tribute by the ANC

01:08:12Thank you, Councillor. Councillor uh MMC Mgcina for the ANC.

01:08:42Thank you very much uh Madam Speaker. The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Sello Dada Morero. The Speaker of Council, Councillor Margaret Arnolds. The Chair of Chairs, Councillor Marema. The Council Chief Whip, Councillor Kazamula

01:09:12Shinyori Chauke. The Leader of the Executive Business, Councillor Masuku. Fellow MMCs, the city leaders from various political parties, fellow colleagues and ward councillors, members of media, residents of this great city, and a special greeting and acknowledgement

01:09:42to the family of the late Councillor Raymond Bugs Nkosi. Ladies and gentlemen,

01:09:49isiZulusanibonani,

01:09:51Sesothodumelang.

01:09:53Honorable Speaker, fellow councillors, distinguished guests, and members of our community, today we rise in solemn remembrance of Councillor Raymond Sipho Bugs Nkosi, who departed from us about two weeks ago due to ill health. His passing His passing so soon after

01:10:23celebrating his 52nd birthday has left a deep void in this council and in the hearts of all who knew him. However, Madam Speaker, while he may be gone, his presence lives in our streets, in the streets of Diepkloof, in the oversight structures of council, and in the

01:10:53political consciousness of the people he served. As fellow councillors in this chamber, we knew Councillor Nkosi as a disciplined and a dedicated community activist. His life was defined by service: service to the people, service to justice, and service to the ideals of a better society. When communities in and around Diepkloof faced challenges

01:11:23of service delivery, development delays, or worker struggles, he was there to listen, to mobilize, and engaging departments and demanding accountability. He was a man of principle whose activism was not confined to words, but lived daily through his actions. Here in council, he served diligently in a critical oversight

01:11:53committees in critical oversight committees, including MPAC, Ethics, Governance, and Finance. And these are the backbones for accountability in the city. As the African National Congress, we acknowledge and honor his contribution to our democracy and to the people he served. Through I mean, though he represented the Economic Freedom Fighters,

01:12:23his commitment to the people transcended party lines in a in a demonstration of deep political maturity. He engaged respectfully across political divides and always put the interest of residents ahead of those of a political party or his political party. His discipline, integrity, and dedication are qualities

01:12:53that we across the political spectrum can learn from. We extend our deepest condolences to the Nkosi family, his loved ones, and to his fellow comrades in the Economic Freedom Fighters. We share in your grief, for his loss is not yours alone. It is a loss to this council, to our city, and to our nation. While his chair may now

01:13:23stand empty in this chamber, his spirit remains with us. His example calls on each of us to recommit ourselves to the values he stood for: discipline, dedication, and unwavering service to the people. Let us honor his memory not only with words, but with deeds that continue to work that he continue

01:13:53the work he so passionately pursued. May his soul rest in peace. May his legacy inspire us all and at all times. As this great statesman would have said, ubaba uReginald Oliver Tambo, and I open quote, "A nation that does not value its activists does not deserve its future." Close quote. To the Nkosi family and his wife and children, his party, the Economic

01:14:23Freedom Fighters, we extend our deepest condolences as the African National Congress in the entire Greater Johannesburg Region.

01:14:32isiZuluSithi akuhlanga lungehliyo, nilale ngenxeba.

01:14:36As I conclude, Madam Speaker, I leave you with the words of the king of King David in the book of Psalm chapter 34 verse 18, which says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Your loss is our loss. We share in your grief. May you know that your son's legacy will live on in our hearts and that he will never be forgotten. Farewell, Bugs. May your

01:15:06spirit continue to guide us, and may your memory be a guiding light and a beacon of hope and strength to all of us as we continue to serve our people in Greater Johannesburg. Thank you very much.

Thanks to parties and songs

01:15:22Thank you so much, MMC. I would also want to thank all the political parties for their contributions and their condolences to the family. Um it has been

01:15:51Once again, thank you to all political parties.

01:15:56isiZuluVelele wenyamazane. Yole. Velele wenyamazane. Yole. Sihlale emahlathini, yole. Sihlale emahlathini, yole. Sihlale emahlathini, yole. Awu sihlale esikhathini, yole.

01:16:25isiZuluSihlale esikhathini, yole. Sihlale esikhathini, yole. Velele wenyamazane, yole. Velele wenyamazane, yole. Velele wenyamazane, yole. Velele wenyamazane, yole. Sihlale esikhathini, yole.

01:16:55isiZuluSihlale esikhathini, yole. Sihlale esikhathini, yole. Awu sihlale esikhathini, yole. Velele wenyamazane, yole. Velele wenyamazane, yole. Velele wenyamazane, yole. Velele wenyamazane,

01:17:25isiZuluyole. Awu sihlale esikhathini, yole. Awu sihlale esikhathini, yole.

01:18:14isiZuluMaye afike. Uyasha. Uyasha. Uyasha. Hewu uyasha abantwana bami. Uyasha. Hewu uyasha abantwana bami. Uyasha. Ebizani isicimamlilo. Uyasha.

01:18:44isiZuluEwu umlilo lo. Uyasha. Obizani isicimamlilo. Uyasha. Ewu umlilo lo. Uyasha. Ongithungela amabala wami.

01:19:03Thank you so much, councillors.

01:19:07isiZuluSanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi, sanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi, sanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi, sanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi. Lomhlaba omkhulu ushayisa ngovalo. Sanibonani. Lomhlaba omkhulu ushayisa ngovalo. Sanibonani.

01:21:17isiZuluSanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi, sanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi, sanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi, sanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi. Lomhlaba omkhulu ushayisa ngovalo. Sanibonani. Lomhlaba omkhulu ushayisa ngovalo. Sanibonani.

01:21:47isiZuluHhayi hhayi hhayi, sanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi, sanibonani. Hhayi hhayi hhayi. Lomhlaba omkhulu.

Speaker's remarks and the ukusula igama ritual

01:22:02Thank you so much, councillors. Thank you, councillors. Thank you so much. On behalf of the City 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 a beloved son, brother, husband, father,

01:22:32and uncle. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Fellow councillors, family, and friends, may you find peace that brings comfort and courage to face the days ahead, and may the loving memories of Councillor Raymond Nkosi forever warm your hearts. We know that no words can truly wipe away your tears, and even the tightest embrace

01:23:02may not ease the depth of your pain. But we urge you to hold on to these memories, for in them he lives on. As the pain slowly fades, may the beauty of his life remain with you, with us, and with this council he so dedicatedly served. On the 5th of November

01:23:322021, Councillor Nkosi was sworn in as a PR councillor, representing the mighty Economic Freedom Fighters with commitment and integrity. He was eventually allocated the very seat in council at the back, where his name was always proudly displayed each time

01:24:02he attended council meetings, a constant reminder of his presence, his voice, and his unwavering service. Councillor Nkosi served with distinction, as he carried with grace, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility as a member of MPAC,

01:24:32the Governance Committee, and the Rules Committee. Tragically, on the 13th of February 2026, Councillor Nkosi passed away. His funeral service was held on the 21st of February, where his family, his political party,

01:25:02fellow councillors, members of the community bid farewell to a remarkable leader, a colleague, and a friend. Today, council flag with a coat of arms is placed on his seat, and his name is being represented by the pillar candle and flowers, symbolizing that he will never

01:25:32attend council meetings anymore. We have honored him with tributes as made by all political parties represented in council. This special council meeting is also being held to officially remove his name in this chamber, a protocol ritual

01:26:02known as

01:26:05isiZuluukusula igama,

01:26:09or to erase a name. Sad as it is for all of us, this is the reality that we have to accept.

01:27:07We now call on Mme Sanelisiwe MaVilakazi Nkosi. Just hold on. I think I've become a bit emotional. Can you take a seat, please, Mme?

Remarks by the family representative

01:30:14We will now have comments by a family representative.

01:30:19We call on Mme Sanelisiwe MaVilakazi-Nkosi to step to the podium.

01:30:46Thank you, Speaker. Good morning to everyone present in this council today. The Honourable Speaker, Miss Margaret Arnolds, the Executive Mayor, Chief Whips, all members of the Mayoral Committee, city officials, ward-based and proportional representation councillors,

01:31:14as well as the people of Gauteng, the Nkosi, Letlatsa and Vilakazi family present this morning. Thank you for standing with us today. In moments of our deepest sorrow and confusion, not only did you stand by us, but you also became a beacon of hope.

01:31:42Your presence reminds us that Baks didn't live only for himself, for us as a family, but he also lived for the people of Gauteng. All of you knew him as a public representative. You knew his discipline, intelligence and commitment to his work. You saw how he engaged with issues and how thoroughly and thoughtfully he approached leadership.

01:32:13At home, he was known as a giver. He gave his wisdom, his strength, his finances, his time, even to people who are not deserving. But we came to terms with the fact that that was just who he was. Baks was highly intelligent.

01:32:39His intelligence was strategic and guided by principles. He studied issues deeply because he believed and understood that people he was serving deserve leaders who think carefully and act with courage. The Bible reminds us that to whom much is given, much is required. Baks understood that and believed that his knowledge,

01:33:09strength were gifts entrusted to him by God, and he used them in service of others. I would like to, on behalf of our families, extend our heartfelt and sincerest gratitude to the following people, amongst many others. Honourable Speaker Arnolds and your delegation,

01:33:37you walked into our home when we were deep in despair. You left us filled with hope for a better tomorrow. We appreciate your words of kindness and comfort, your prayers and every other thing that you ensured was available to us in order to assist with laying Baks to his final resting place. We will never forget you.

01:34:05Honourable MMC Dr Mgcini Tshwaku and your delegation, thank you, sir. You are the first person who was informed of Baks's passing. Confused as everyone was, you gave a way forward and ensured that Baks's dignity was restored and maintained even in his death.

01:34:34isiXhosaSiyabulela, Mhlekazi.

01:34:41EFF Provincial Chair, Commissar Nkululeko Dunga, MMC of Health and Social Development, Miss Ennie Makhafola, and your delegation, words fail me. You literally became the modern-day Moses with a miraculous staff in your hand, with very little to say,

01:35:08but miraculous actions. You took us out of the bondages of our Egypt and safely landed us in the land of milk and honey. May you be blessed, elevated. May your cup never run dry, but keep overflowing with grace and mercy. You epitomise the saying,

01:35:31isiZuluumuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.

01:35:37To the Chief Whip of the EFF, Sis Thabisa, thank you so much for your guidance and your patience. To the regional structures of the EFF, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude. To the leadership of Ward 27, thank you for everything. To PR Councillor

01:36:04isiZuluSisi Nhlanhla Radebe, ngiyokukhohlwa sisi, ngoba umuntu wasemhlabeni ophila ngenyama uyakhohlwa.

01:36:15Thank you for everything, for all your efforts, for all the doors that you knocked at. May God elevate you. May God bless this chamber. Thank you for all the words of kindness and encouragement that you have given to us this morning. May God bless each and every one of you.

01:36:42isiZuluSingabantu esiphila emhlabeni.

01:36:46Along the walks of life, we tend to hurt the people around us, intentionally and unintentionally so. To anyone and everyone that Baks has hurt along his line of work, I would like to deeply apologize on his behalf if he did not get a chance to apologize for himself.

01:37:16To the EFF, I would like to tell you that Baks loved you. He loved the EFF with everything he had. I recall on a cold morning of the 26th of July in 2013, he woke me up with so much excitement, asking that I accompany him to Uncle Tom's Hall,

01:37:45where the party was being established. He was very excited to have been part of that history, and he never looked back until his last day on Earth. He gave so much of himself to the EFF, particularly to the ground forces. He sacrificed a lot for the EFF. EFF, thank you for loving Baks back.

01:38:15What you did for us as a family showed us that his love was not in vain. Madam Speaker and the whole chamber, once again, I would like to appreciate you on behalf of the family and thank you for supporting Baks with your visits to the hospital, the prayers and emotional support.

01:38:42May everything that you did for us be done to other families as well. Thank you very much. May God bless you. Amen.

Closing and departure of the family

01:38:53Thank you so much to MaVilakazi-Nkosi. We thank you. We are now going to allow, we'll all be seated. We will now allow the family together with the Executive Mayor, the Chair of Chairs,

01:39:22and the whip to leave the chamber. Thank you.

01:39:42The leader of the EFF as well as the Chief Whip.

01:43:36[inaudible] No, no.