Molosi obit
The slain Knysna politician Victor Molosi was not only a dignified soul dedicated to serving his people but qualified as a member of that rare breed: an honest politician. Nwabisa Pondoyi, who knew the man personally, penned this eulogy.
Mzukisi Victor Molosi, fondly known as Freeze, was a fearless leader, nonconformist ANC stalwart and a defiant political voice who remained deeply connected to his humanity. On Monday night 23 July he was shot outside his house in Concordia and left to die. He later succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.
Born in Lady Frère in the Eastern Cape, to cattle owners Nomandithini Molosi intombi yase Magcineni and Mlahleki Molosi uDikela, he was the oldest of five children. He arrived in Knysna when he was 16 and attended Percy Mdala High School before obtaining a degree in public administration through Unisa.
Molosi joined the anti-apartheid struggle as a young activist in his 20s – internalising the culture and values of the movement and embodying sacrifice, selfless service, solidarity and social justice which he adhered to until his last day.
Two decades of dedication
He occupied various positions of responsibility over the past 20 years. He was secretary and chairperson of the ANC’s Duma Nokwe branch and at the time of his death he served as the deputy regional secretary of the Southern Cape region. Molosi served the ANC and his community in Knysna Ward 8 as a councillor and Speaker from 2006 to 2011. At the time of his passing he was the Ward 8 councillor after his election in 2016 and also served as a district councillor in the Eden District Municipality.
In 2009 he officially married his high school sweetheart uMamtshatshu Nomonde Molosi and they had four children– Dumisani(16), Hlumani(11) and the twins Sihle and Lihle aged seven.
A die-hard soccer fanatic, Molosi established the Young Chiefs football club with two of his friends in 1986. He recently handed the reigns to his youngest brother Sivuyile Molosi, but remained hands-on and was his brother’s biggest supporter.
Quest for clean governance
He was a stickler for detail, thoroughness and regulations of local government. When not debating in council chambers with facts and bylaws to back up his arguments, Molosi loved spending time with his wife and family, but he still made time to teach the youth of Concordia the benefits of education and sport.
His service to the community of Knysna won him the hearts of locals who are still in shock over his passing.
Seen by many as a quiet man, his family and friends will miss him for his unique sense of humour, humility and kind heart.
Mayor Mark Willemse said Molosi served Greater Knysna with pride and dignity and that they are privileged to have known and worked with him.
“He was a passionate contributor in council debates, advocating strongly on behalf of his party and the community he served,” Willemse said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Aseza Gungubele said funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Uwile umthi omkhulu. Lala ngoxolo Mqwathi, Noni, Dikela.