The well-known councillor representing the Congress of the People (COPE) in the Makhado Municipality, Edward Malima (54), died unexpectedly after a short illness at the Netcare Puluso Hospital in Polokwane on Wednesday, 30 June.
Cllr Malima also served as the spokesperson for Messina hospital.
Makhado Mayor Samuel Munyai paid tribute to the late councillor, saying that his death had come as a great shock to everyone. "He left us at a time when we needed his insights the most. We would timeously consult with him on governance issues because he had been in local government for years. His sudden death is a terrible blow to the municipality, which he served with dedication and diligence."
Munyai said that, instead of shedding tears, remembering all the good things that Malima had done for his community while he was alive was important. "We begin to remember not just that he died, but the fact that he lived, and that his life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. The developments that we see here today were championed by heroes like Malima."
An EFF councillor at Makhado Municipality, Anthony Matumba, said he was shocked when he heard of Malima's death. "Besides working together in council, we were very close. We have lost a great man indeed."
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Ralph Malima described his younger brother as a good man and a loving person. "He laughed and joked with everyone and had no grudges against anybody. We will miss him dearly. He is truly irreplaceable, but God has done his will and we only have to accept it."
Malima was buried on Tuesday, 6 July, at Magau cemetery.