๐ซ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ, DA councillor, murdered on Sunday
Xolile Kalipa, DA councillor for Kayamandi and Mayco member for Cimmunity Service, was murdered on Sunday night.
The Stellenbosch municipality said in a statement that Kalipa was fatally shot in Kayamandi on the Sunday night, 4 May. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation by the South African Police Service.
Councillor Kalipa was a much-loved and deeply respected community leader. He served as a Proportional Representation Councillor for the Democratic Alliance and was an active member of the Mayoral Committees.
The statement said his contributions to the work of Council and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of residents will be remembered by all who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser expressed his profound shock and sorrow at the news, saying:
โI am devastated by the loss of Councillor Kalipa. He was a dedicated public servant, a voice for the voiceless and a pillar of strength in his community. His passion for uplifting our people, especially the youth and women as part of his Community Services Portfolio, was evident in everything he did. We have not only lost a colleague, but a friend and a true champion for social development.โ
โWe encourage everyone to keep Councillor Kalipaโs family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We also urge the public and media to respect their privacy as they mourn this tragic loss.
Tertius Simmers, DA Western Cape Leader and Koos Steyn, Regional Chairperson, West Region of the DA in the Western Cape said in a combined statement Kalipa will be dearly missed for his tireless work in community development and his steadfast representation of his constituents. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched.
โThe DA in the Western Cape is saddened by the tragic passing of Councillor and Mayco Member Kalipa. While the DA strongly condemns the incident, we urge the South African Police Service (SAPS) to act swiftly to capture the murderers.
โXolile was known as a gentle, true servant of the people who worked tirelessly to uphold the DAโs values and championed the residents he served.
โHe served as Cape Winelands District Councillor over two periods before his election in Stellenbosch Municipality as a PR Councillor in 2021. The former Stellenbosch Mayor saw his potential and appointed him to serve as mayco member,โ they said.