EMALAHLENI — The eMalahleni Local Municipality and the African National Congress (ANC) in Nkangala are mourning the death of long-serving councillor Jerry Patric Djiana, who has been remembered as a dedicated public servant.
Djiana died on 21 October 2026, with the municipality announcing his passing in an official statement the following day.
"eMalahleni Local Municipality is deeply saddened by the passing of councillor Jerry Patric Djiana," the municipality said.
Born in 1971, Djiana served the municipality for more than a decade in various leadership positions.
He was first elected as Ward 6 councillor in 2011 before becoming a proportional representation (PR) councillor in 2016.
During that term, he was appointed Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Technical Services and also served as chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).
In 2024, he was appointed MMC for Development Planning, a position he held alongside his duties as PR councillor until his death.
"He served in this position until he met his untimely death while serving as a PR councillor," the municipality said.
Paying tribute to Djiana, the municipality described him as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the community would be remembered.
"Throughout these years of service, councillor Jerry Djiana demonstrated a strong commitment to representing the community and serving its people. His dedication and contribution will be remembered with deep respect," the statement read.
The municipality extended its condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and everyone who had worked with him.
"Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time," it said.
The ANC in Nkangala also paid tribute to Djiana, describing him as a comrade who remained dedicated to serving the people until his last day.
"The ANC extends its heartfelt condolences to Cde Djiana's family, friends, colleagues, comrades and all who had the privilege of working with him," ANC Nkangala spokesperson Clarence Maseko said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are also with the ANC caucus in the eMalahleni Council and the wider community he served. May they find comfort in knowing that he remained dedicated to the people until he was called by his Creator. May the revolutionary soul of Comrade Jerry rest in peace," Maseko said.
Djiana and former MMC for Technical Services Busi Hlumbane had previously been relieved of their official duties by Mayor Vusi Nhlapho following their arrest by the Mpumalanga Hawks on allegations of bribery and corruption.
The pair was arrested on 16 April after allegedly being caught receiving a R20 000 bribe at Witbank Dam, reportedly part of a R500 000 demand linked to facilitating the extension of a lease agreement.
