The community of Musina learned with shock and disbelief about the sudden death of well-known local politician Cllr Tebogo Selina Phiri. Phiri (43) was admitted to Messina Hospital, where she died from an undisclosed illness on Wednesday evening, 10 May.
Phiri served as a member of Musina Local Municipality's executive committee (EXCO) since November 2021. She was a proportional representative (PR) councillor, representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Before she took up the position of councillor at the municipality, she served as station manager for Musina FM.
Her husband, Mr Aubrey Maluleke, was very emotional when he broke the news. "Although it is painful and sounds like a dream, I can confirm that it is true that my wife has passed on. Our loved one was sick, and we had hoped that she would recover and come back home to continue serving the community. However, the dark cloud has hanged over our heads, and we have to face this reality head on. This is a very difficult time for the family, but we are very thankful for the support from family members, Musina Municipality, friends and the entire Musina community," he said.
During an urgent commemorative special council meeting on Monday, 15 May, Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Mawela conveyed his sincere condolences to the Phiri family, her political party and everyone who had had the pleasure of knowing and working with her. "We wish to thank the Phiri family for allowing her to serve the people of Musina with diligence until her untimely departure. We share their pain and grief, and we pray that the family finds strength from the Almighty in these trying times," he said.
All political parties represented in the council were given an opportunity to present messages of condolence during Monday's council meeting.
Three separate memorial services, organised by various stakeholders, to honour the late Phiri will take place on Wednesday (17th), Thursday (18th) and Friday (19th), while she will be laid to rest in Musina this coming Saturday, 20 May.