Manenberg loses ‘servant to the people’

Tributes are pouring in for Manenberg councillor Bonita Jacobs who died on Wednesday August 28.

While it remains unclear what led to her death, tributes on social media have described the Ward 30 councillor as having a “kind, and jovial spirit”.

Ward councillor Antonio van der Rheede said it had been a pleasure having worked with Ms Jacobs whom he described as a “real servant to the people of Manenberg”.

Her death was a great loss to the Manenberg community, he said.

“I’ve known Councillor Jacobs for many years. We served together in community services and health and together at the old Sub-council 17. She’s been like a sister to me. We had a life of friendship and camaraderie.

“We really loved each other. We served similar communities with similar issues. We would chat about life and our families. She is leaving a big, big void. I’m really going to miss her dearly.

“Last week, she got a bit better and was telling me she wanted to go home. She missed her family. I really thought that she was going to make it. I’m missing a companion and friend.”

Manenberg Community Police Forum spokeswoman Vanessa Adriaanse saluted Ms Jacobs for her hard work and described her as “a unique gem” and a “hard-working councillor”.

“She never cared about political parties but always made sure that she attended what we invited her to. She never excluded anyone and that is why she worked so well with the community. We wish that her life and the work that she’s done will make other councillors see how hard she worked and leave an impact on them.”

Manenberg resident Hassiem Salie said: “Bonita Jacobs served the people of Manenberg with so much love, commitment, and passion.”