More than a year after the untimely passing of Nompumelelo Ngoqo, founder of Urban Rural Development and Capacity Building Project (URDCBP), members of the project held a birthday celebration in her honour on Friday 6 May.
The celebration was held at the Langa rent office and was attended by Ward 51 councillor Lwazi Phakade as well as some beneficiaries of the organisation.
Ngoqo, who dedicated her life to the betterment of the Langa community, would have turned 73 on Friday 6 May. She died at Vanguard Community Health Clinic in Bonteheuwel on Friday 20 November 2020 after a short illness. (“Vows to keep Ngoqo’s legacy”, City Vision, 17 December 2020).
URDCBP administrator Khaya Sukwana described the celebration as a special event. “Makhulu used to spend her birthday with her beneficiaries. She used to cook special food for them. So our aim is to continue with her legacy,” said Sukwana, adding that they hope to host the event annually.
He described Ngoqo as an activist who would give up her last cent to assist another person. “The whole community loved her. She was a servant of the people. Her whole life was dedicated to helping people in the area,” said Sukwana.
Meanwhile, Phakade stated that he did not personally know Ngoqo but judging by her work in the community she was a saviour.
“I’ve heard a lot about her organisation that is assisting disadvantaged people in the community. Mama Ngoqo’s organisation is currently playing a key role in helping shack fire victims in Joe Slovo informal settlement. And every winter the organisation collects clothes to donate to the needy people,” said Phakade.
He said he hoped that the organisation could continue doing the great work.
A beneficiary Nomthunzi Lolo (59) described Ngoqo as a generous person.
“She was a great person. She liked people. We used to share everything with her. But she was strict at the same time,” said Lolo.