The City of Cape Town is paying tribute to Divisional Commander Makosandile Mbhokhwe, a firefighter who died from coronavirus-related complications. He passed away in hospital on Sunday, June 21 2020.
The 48-year-old was based at the Fire and Rescue Service Training Academy in Epping, where he was respected by his colleagues. Mbhokhwe is survived by his wife and three children.
“Divisional Commander Makosandile Mbhokhwe will be sorely missed by his colleagues. He was a credit to the Fire and Rescue Service and was also named Officer of the Year at the 2018 Safety and Security Annual Awards – a testament to his calibre and contribution to the Service,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The Fire and Rescue Service traditionally honours fallen members with a Brigade Funeral or a Memorial Service for staff to attend. However, with current lockdown regulations prohibiting large gatherings, the Service facilitated a Guard of Honour that visited eight fire stations across the metropole on Friday morning, June 26, to allow staff to pay their last respects.
The stations included Epping, Milnerton, Roeland Street, Lakeside, Mitchells Plain, Strand, Belhar and Goodwood. A memorial service was held at the Goodwood Civic Centre after the Guard of Honour, in line with COVID-19 protocols.
During the Guard of Honour, staff members were able to observe a moment of silence and give the final salute to a very deserving Officer.
“We have been blessed as the City to have been a part of Officer Mbokwhe’s life. I have such fond memories of him and think back to his soft-hearted nature, his kindness, his humble spirit and above all, he was a person who lead his team with the utmost integrity! These qualities are rare and our friend and colleague will be sorely missed – he was a true officer and a gentleman,” said Alderman Smith during the memorial service.
Picture: City of Cape Town