The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), this morning, learned with great shock news of the untimely passing of one its finest Members, Honourable Mapiti Matsena – who succumbed to his death after being attacked in his Tshwane home on Wednesday, 15 July 2020.
Hon. Matsena joined the GPL as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) following the 2019 National and Provincial Elections and was immediately appointed as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, and also served as a Member of the Portfolio Committee on Infrastructure Development and Property Management.
He served both Committees diligently and with great distinction, always demonstrating commitment and dedication in his work as a Public Representative.
Passionate about the safety of the residents of Gauteng, Hon Matsena never missed an opportunity to express his convictions with law enforcement authorities regarding the safety of the people of Gauteng.
He represented a rare breed of Public Representatives with a distinct ability to put political differences aside to achieve common objectives that served the best interest of Citizens.
Understanding his role as a Public Representative, Hon, Matsena ensured full accountability by the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and the Provincial Police on matters of community safety – particularly women and children.
His firm stance against Gender Based Violence gained him popularity amongst his peers as he never missed an opportunity to campaign and advocate for the strengthening of the fight against GBV every time he addressed a House Sitting.
His passing marks a great loss to the Province, and we appeal to law enforcement authorities to work with the greatest urgency to bring the murderers to book.
We wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and thank them for sharing him with us, his friends, political party the ANC and the entire community of Gauteng – which he represented in the Legislature and served with distinction.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
ISSUED BY THE GPL’S COMMUNICATIONS UNIT ON BEHALF OF SPEAKER OF THE GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE, HONOURABLE NTOMBI MEKGWE.
For more information or interview queries, please contact: Mr Thebe Khumalo on 072 266 1021 email: TKhumalo@gpl.gov.za OR Ms Thabisile Nzuke on 082 619 4411 email: TNzuke@gpl.gov.za
