Late Cofimvaba councillor leaves a gaping void

The EFF s Cofimvaba councillor Lulama Mvo, 85, has died of Covid-19 complications.

Party colleague in the Intsika Yethu local municipality Songelwa Mnqweno confirmed it on Wednesday.

A second wave of Covid-19 has gripped the Eastern Cape ahead of the festive season.

There have been 10,943 cases and 10,008 recoveries in the Chris Hani district, which encompasses Intsika Yethu. So far, 570 people have died there.

Intsika Yethu spokesperson Zuko Tshangana said since the beginning of lockdown in April, five councillors had tested positive for Covid-19. One has died, two recovered and were back at work, and two were in quarantine.

Intsika Yethu municipality urges communities to continue to observe health regulations to save lives,” he said.

Ward 17 councillor Nolinsethi Ntonintshi, who had tested positive, was under hospital supervision as a precaution to limit the risk of infecting others, Intsika Yethu municipal manager Siyabulela Koyo said.

It is advisable that all councillor Ntonintshi s contacts

’ who were in proximity with her should monitor themselves for symptoms.”

Koyo said the speaker would temporarily withdraw Ntonintshi from her duties, and another councillor would stand in for her.

Koyo paid tribute to Mvo. He

“was a dedicated and hardworking councillor. He was a strong advocate for the governance and administration committee he served on and for the goals and aspirations of the Intsika Yethu municipality. He leaves a gaping void in local government.”

Koyo said a virtual memorial service and a drive-through past his home would take place on Thursday.