Matongo, aged 46, passed away in a motor vehicle accident on Saturday.

The incident happened after Matongo participated in a local government voter registration drive in Soweto, alongside President Ramaphosa.

Matongo was elected unopposed to this position on 10 August 2021, following the passing of his predecessor, Geoff Makhubo, a month earlier.

Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to Mayor Matongo’s family, friends, colleagues and comrades, and the residents of the City of Johannesburg.

In a statement, the President says, “It is hard to comprehend this tragedy, given the vitality and passion with which Mayor Matongo interacted with me and residents of Soweto so shortly before his death. Nothing could prepare any of us for this sudden loss, which has deprived our nation’s economic centre of its second Executive Mayor in two months.”

‘Matongo was a committed and selfless activist’

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has described Matongo as a committed and selfless activist who dedicated his time to the overall improvement of the quality of life of the people of Gauteng.

Makhura says the passing of Matongo has left him shocked and shattered.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Matongo and children, his extended family, friends and comrades,” says Makhura.

Social media react to Matongo’s passing

Social media users have taken to Twitter to also express their shock over the news of Matongo’s passing.

In a tweet, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, has also sent his heartfelt condolences to Matongo.

SABC News