Buffalo City Metro (BCM) councillors and senior officials paid a moving tribute to their fallen colleague, the late Aphiwe ‘AP’ Gcwabe, during a memorial service held at the packed East London City Hall on Tuesday, August 13.
Gcwabe who served as Buffalo City Metro’s Ward 20 councillor in Mdantsane, suddenly passed away after collapsing at his home. His funeral was held this past weekend in Mdantsane.
Ward 20 in Buffalo City include Mdantsane’s zone 6, 7, 8 and 16.
BCM council speaker Humphrey Maxegwana said last week they were reeling in shock and saddened by Gcwabe’s sudden and untimely death.
“When he spoke during council meeting debates, he came across as very solid. We expected a lot from him in the coming years. When we visited his home, it was always full, not only with councillors but also community members and this demonstrated his love for the people, said Maxegwana.
BCM executive mayor Princess Faku described him as a reliable and a hardworking person since his official inauguration in the council.
“On behalf of the City, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the broader community on his passing. He was a great servant of the people,” said Faku.
According to Thabang Maseko, a Mdantsane community activist, Gcwabe was affectionately known as “AP” or “Big Dreamer” for his devoted community development work especially grassroots sport.
“He was a humble and dedicated person…a devoted community leader. Gcwabe’s interest in politics started while attending Khulani High School in Mdantsane,” said Maseko.
