Missing Ekurhuleni MMC Andile Mngwevu found dead in Mozambique
Missing Ekurhuleni MMC Andile Mngwevu have been dead in Mozambique floods.
Image: Supplied
Andile Mngwevu, Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Roads and Transport Planning, has been found dead in Mozambique after floodwaters swept away the vehicle he was travelling in.
Mngwevu went missing earlier this month while on a trip to Mozambique. The car was carried away during severe flooding in the Chókwè area.
Mozambique has experienced widespread flooding that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Details surrounding the recovery of Mngwevu’s body, including the exact location, have not yet been released.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Mngwevu family confirmed his death and expressed deep sorrow.
“The Mngwevu family announces with deep sorrow and profound sadness the untimely passing of our beloved son, husband, father and dedicated servant of the people, Mr Andile Mngwevu,” the statement said.
“Mr Mngwevu tragically passed away while on a trip to Mozambique when the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floods in the Chókwè region.”
The family said the incident has left relatives, friends, colleagues and the broader community heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
“Andile Mngwevu was a loving and devoted husband, a man whose life was defined by humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to serving others,” the statement said.
“Throughout his life, he made a difference in people’s lives through his selfless service, principled leadership and genuine care for the well-being of those around him.”
The family said his integrity and kindness earned him deep respect across the communities he served.
“Beyond his public service, Andile was a pillar of strength within his family - a source of love, guidance and unwavering support,” the statement said.
“His passing leaves an irreplaceable void; however, his legacy of service, leadership and humanity will forever remain entrenched in the hearts of all who knew him.”
The family requested privacy as they mourn and asked the public to keep them in their prayers. Details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
The African National Congress in Ekurhuleni also expressed sadness over the death of Mngwevu, who served as MMC for Roads and Transport Planning and leader of government business.
ANC Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi said Mngwevu’s political activism began at age 15 through the Congress of South African Students while he was a learner at Kenneth Masikela Secondary School in KwaThema.
He later rose through the ranks of COSAS, serving at regional, provincial and national levels, including as national organiser.
He also served in the ANC Youth League as regional secretary and regional chairperson, where he focused on youth development and advocacy.
According to Dlabathi, his leadership roles included service on the ANC Regional Task Team, the Regional Executive Committee and as regional spokesperson.
Mngwevu also worked in government at the Gauteng departments of education and health before being deployed to the City of Ekurhuleni as a strategic adviser and public representative.
“At the time of his passing, Cde Andile was entrusted with the responsibilities of MMC for Roads and Transport Planning and leader of government business - roles he executed with dedication, integrity and excellence,” Dlabathi said.
“The ANC in Ekurhuleni extends its deepest condolences to the Mngwevu family, comrades, colleagues and the communities of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng. We have lost a principled revolutionary and servant of the people.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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