Officials, EFF bid farewell to city’s Otter

FAMILY, friends and colleagues packed the Claremont Baptist Church to pay their last respects at the memorial service for city official and former journalist Steven Otter, who was killed last week.

Otter was murdered in his Harfield Village home during a robbery in the early hours of last Friday.

A number of people entered the church barefoot in tribute to Otter who was often seen walking around without shoes.

A message from Otter’s brother, Thomas Otter, who was unable to attend the service, was read to the congregation.

“This is a day of celebration for a life that was lived to the full. Steven would not want us to be cynical about the circumstances surrounding his passing, rather to continue to bridge the gaps that exist between people.”

Natalie Williams, Otter’s fiancée said he was a gentle and kind soul.

“He came into my life when I was completely broken and showed me so much love.

“He radiated love. He made everybody feel loved. He had a special relationship with everybody.”

Crying she said: “I am not sure why he was taken away. Until the end he acted out of love and remarkable courage.”

Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille, who was unable to attend the memorial service, extended her condolences through a tribute read by a teary-eyed Brett Herron, mayoral committee member for transport.

“As I received the news on Friday morning, it was upsetting when the realisation hit me that Steven was killed on Reconciliation Day when he was someone who did not just speak reconciliation, he lived it.”

Toni van Niekerk, the director at Transport for Cape Town, who was Otter’s boss, said his death had left a hole in her heart.

The EFF’s Mbulelo Dwane said: “I remain inspired by his fighting spirit. He is a soldier who died with his boots on, he did not cower and tremble with cowardice, he fought until the bitter end.”

Otter will be cremated next week and his ashes scattered on Table Mountain next month.