Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The call for reconciliation remains a far-fetched dream to Knysna locals in the wake of Ward 8 councillor Mzukisi Victor Molosi's sad passing last month.

Molosi was gunned down outside his house in Concordia on Monday 23 July.

The mood was sombre at the Knysna Primary School on Tuesday 31 July as family, friends, colleagues and the Greater Knysna community gathered in memory of Freeze, as Molosi was affectionately known.

Knysna and Eden District municipalities, in a joint effort, organised the memorial service and various speakers all attested to Molosi as a humble selfless leader, an activist, strategist, a mediator and a servant at heart.

'Molosi's legacy to be treasured'
Learners from Concordia High School sang songs in which they thanked him for his service to the school and that his legacy will live on.

Knysna Municipality's director of community services Dawid Adonis said the death has left everyone with a numbness and that he doesn't know how to respond to it: "The death of Molosi reminded us of our diversity and right to have different views when we debate. It reminded us of the acute needs of our communities and different dynamics – more so in the northern areas… How do we as Knysna Municipality move beyond this tragedy, how do we ensure that the legacy of Molosi lives on?"

Adonis said Molosi secured development in his ward for more than R120-million, that 700 houses were built under his leadership and that he was instrumental in the building of Concordia High School: "He convinced soccer teams to sacrifice land in order for the school to be built."

ANC members chanted songs of liberation during the party's own memorial service at Concordia High School last week. Photo: Supplied

ANC chief whip Titi Gombo also said a few words. Having been born in Knysna, she said, she has witnessed every development and that Molosi has always been part of these developments.

Gombo shared some of her fondest memories of Molosi both in and outside of council and said, "I am because he was."

ANC also bade farewell
On Wednesday 1 August, the ANC also paid homage to Freeze, at Concordia High School, when members came in large numbers to bid farewell to one of their own, draped in their ANC regalia and chanting songs that moved the crowd to dance in a befitting send-off.

This was the first time Molosi’s wife attended one of the memorial services held to honour her husband.

Speakers described Freeze as a fearless, dedicated leader who stood for what he believed in until the very end. ANC executive committee member Thandi Hambehlala said a revolutionary has fallen and said Molosi’s sudden death has made the organisation weak in the knees.

The Concordia High School hall was filled to capacity.

She quoted Thomas Sankara: "While revolutionaries as individuals can be murdered, you cannot kill ideas.”

She said that during this time the emphasis should be on building unity and restoring the organisation’s reputation, “I don’t know who is going to do that for the Southern Cape – Freeze has left with his smile.”

She added, “As we celebrate and emulate Freeze, we must pick up the spear and continue with the fight.”

When councillor Aubrey Tsengwa spoke, he reminded his comrades that Molosi detested corruption, and added, "Unlike some councillors who require contractors to pay a tithe before giving them a job. I am willing to bite a bullet for this one.”

Read a related article: Victor Molosi laid to rest

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