The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga has expressed shock for the passing of the Steve Tshwete Executive Mayor, Cllr. Tsietsi Tolo. Tolo succumbed to COVID-19 after an admission at a hospital.
Cllr Tolo is a former MEC for Local Government, Traffic Control and Traffic Safety which was later reconfigured to Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. He also served as Chairperson of the Committee on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Resolution, and later as the Executive Mayor for the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
MEC for COGTA, Mr Mandla Msibi says Tolo’s demise is a major blow to the Local Government sector. “We are shattered by his untimely death. His demise has robbed this sector a crop of leadership at the time when we needed him the most. His selfless contribution to community development and the determination to serve, set him apart from his peers. He championed the township economic revitalization programme to improve the socio-economic status of communities in the Steve Tshwete Municipality,” lamented Mr Msibi.
His tenure as Chairperson of the Tolo Committee, according to Mr Msibi, contributed much to the Department’s aspiration of restoring stability within the institution of traditional leadership in Mpumalanga. “For some time, the institution of traditional leadership was plagued by disputes. And when a Committee to resolve them was established, he made himself available to champion the cause. Implementing the resolutions of the Committee, will be one of the many ways by the Department to honour his legacy,” Mr Msibi said.
He expressed condolences to Cllr Tolo’s family, the Steve Tshwete Municipal Council and the community.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa – 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za