The search for missing Ekurhuleni Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Planning, Andile Mngwevu, has come to a tragic end after his body was found in Mozambique. Mngwevu had been reported missing earlier this month during a trip to the neighbouring country, where extreme flooding has claimed lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Mngwevu was travelling through the Chókwè area when the vehicle he was in was swept away by floodwaters. Mozambique has been battling widespread flooding, with large parts of the country experiencing severe damage to roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Authorities have not yet released details about the exact location where Mngwevu’s body was recovered.
On Tuesday, the Mngwevu family confirmed his death in a statement, describing the loss as devastating and sudden.
“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 read.
The family said Mngwevu died while on a trip to Mozambique after floodwaters swept away the vehicle he was travelling in within the Chókwè region. They added that the tragedy has left relatives, friends, colleagues and the broader community struggling to come to terms with the loss.
According to the family, Mngwevu was deeply committed to serving others, both in his public role and private life.
“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.
They described him as a leader whose integrity, kindness and selfless service earned him respect across the communities he served, noting that beyond politics, he was a pillar of strength within his family.
“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 said.
The family has requested privacy as they mourn and indicated that details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
The African National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni also expressed deep sadness at Mngwevu’s death. ANC Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi paid tribute to his long political journey and commitment to activism from a young age.
Dlabathi said Mngwevu began his political involvement at the age of 15 through the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) while attending Kenneth Masikela Secondary School in KwaThema. He later rose through the ranks of COSAS, serving at regional, provincial and national levels, including a term as national organiser.
Mngwevu also held leadership positions in the ANC Youth League, where he served as regional secretary and regional chairperson, focusing on youth development and advocacy. His broader political work included serving on the ANC Regional Task Team, the Regional Executive Committee and as regional spokesperson.
Before his deployment to the City of Ekurhuleni, Mngwevu worked within the Gauteng departments of education and health. He later served as a strategic adviser and public representative in the metro.
“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 extended its condolences to the Mngwevu family, colleagues and the communities of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng, describing him as a principled revolutionary and servant of the people.
As communities reflect on his passing, Mngwevu is being remembered not only as a political leader, but as a committed public servant whose life was shaped by service, discipline and compassion.
