Death of a friend and colleague
I remember Musa as a quiet young man who arrived to work as an intern at Planact about 15 years ago. He was determined to get involved in planning and community development issues, and soon became a key member of the team.
We worked together through the local government transition process, with Musa becoming a highly experienced and respected local government strategist and practitioner. As someone committed to knowledge sharing amongst municipalities, he participated in the work of the South African Cities Network.
Just last week, Musa and his team from the City of Tshwane spent two days with us in Cape Town swapping ideas on inner city urban renewal. He won the hearts of the Cape Town Partnership staff with his gentle manner.
We will miss him.
Our thoughts today are with Blake and all our colleagues at the City of Tshwane.
Andrew Boraine
Chief Executive, Cape Town Partnership
Chairperson, South African Cities Network
Ten Years into a democratic dispensation, it would have been unthinkable that, as a people, we would still be losing young activits that have committed their lives to bringing about democracy and justice to the world. Such has been the loss that the local government fraternity will suffer in Musa Soni, a committed democrat and undoubtely, one of the most comparatively competitive public sector strategists of our time.
His resume is extensive, but to count a few accolades, from his early involvement in Planact, the eKurhuleni Metropolitan Council, the South African Cities Network, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and until his final days on earth in the City of Tshwane, we have lost a critical pillar of our transition exactly on the eve of ushering the second democratic local government in the year 2006.
On behalf of the Board of the South African Cities Network and all it's sister entities, in Musa Soni, we mourn the loss of one of the most valuable activits that has contributed to democracy in our country.
Our condolensces go to both the Soni and Mabaso families on the loss of their son Musa and daugther, Nonhlanhla, respectively.
May their soles find and rest in peace.
Sithole M. Mbanga
Chief Executive Officer
Presentation for Seminar
