SIMNIKIWE Mapini has been described as a hardworking professional and a dedicated public servant who gave it all when performing his responsibilities.
Simnikiwe, an adjudicator in the City of Ekurhuleni Finance Department, was shot and killed near Rand Airport in Germiston while traveling with a colleague on Friday, December 8.
During his memorial service at Germiston City Hall on Wednesday, 13 December, speaker after the speaker said Simnikiwe was not just a worker but was a team player.
Simnikiwe's colleague, Siphokazi Xokozela, said he was cooperative and always jumped in whenever there was a crisis, which he would solve.
"If there was an urgent project that needed to be fast-tracked, you could rely on him. He was servicing the city. He would come to work early and was the last one to leave. That's how much dedication he had," she said.
She said she met Simnikiwe on Friday, 8 December and he wanted to know when the auditors were finishing because he was tired.
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"He wanted to go home for the holidays. Little did I know he meant his eternal home," she said.
Another colleague, Karin Muller, said Simnikiwe's energy and sense of humour were amazing.
"He had a specific chair he always sat in to check the secretariat would do the job properly. He kept all of us on our toes to make sure we did our jobs. His presence in the office will be sorely missed," she said.
Simnikiwe's sister, Okuhle Hlwatika said: "He has done a lot for me, and I was hoping to show him how I appreciate his presence in my life. But sadly, his life was cut short. I promise to continue to live for him and achieve everything just to make you proud my brother."
Another family member, Sibusiso Hlwatika, said Simnikiwe's death has left him with many questions.
“Was it a hijacking? No, nothing was taken from his car. You can imagine somebody stopped a car and opened fire. You ask yourself, was it work-related?” said Sibusiso.
