Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba described late Musina municipal councillor David Mokobi as a brave fighter who had served his community diligently until his final breath. She spoke at a packed Nancefield Multipurpose Centre during his funeral on Saturday.
Mokobi, an African National Congress (ANC) representative and ward councillor for Ward 2, passed away last Monday (21 July) at age 55 after a short illness.
"We are laying to rest a faithful servant who touched many lives. Though his life was cut short, it was well lived and worthwhile," Ramathuba said.
Family spokesperson Setshone Therane said they were still coming to terms with the loss. "Your presence today comforts us as we face this difficult reality."
Tributes were also delivered by LEDET MEC Tshitereke Matibe, Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Mawela, Mokobi's sister Emma Mokobi, and friend Sello Maoka.
Known as Heavy D, Mokobi was born in Musina in 1970. He studied teaching, development communication, and public management, and was pursuing local economic development studies at the University of Johannesburg at his passing.
He served as SRC president at the Transvaal College of Education and held various leadership roles in the ANC. At his death, he chaired the ANC's Mopane branch and was on the Limpopo Legislature's Musina Constituency management committee.
His career included roles from bank teller to senior housing and disaster-management officer, before becoming ward councillor.
Mokobi co-founded Musina FM, serving as presenter, manager and board member, and was deputy chair of the National Community Radio Forum in Limpopo. He also founded Mokobi Consulting Services, which included a computer school for youth.
A devoted Zion Christian Church member, he held various church positions. He is survived by his mother, wife, two sisters-in-law, and seven children.