DURBAN - THE Limpopo taxi owner who was a staunch supporter of embattled, suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule and former president Jacob Zuma has died.
Stephen Sefofi, who was well-known as Malo-A-Botsheba, succumbed to Covid-19-related complications at Letaba Hospital on Wednesday.
The family spokesperson Mothipha Manyama told Daily News on Friday that Sefofi tested positive with Covid-19 last week and became very ill this week. Sefofi was rushed to hospital and was put on a ventilator but died on Wednesday.
“We can affirm that my brother died of Covid-19 at Letaba hospital. The family was seized with funeral arrangements and will be laid to rest on Sunday at his home village of Mopani.
“Today (Friday) we held his memorial service,” said Manyama.
Sefofi shot into prominence after he had heated arguments with Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula in Limpopo in April. The taxi owner had branded his taxis with stickers supporting Magashule and former president Jacob Zuma.
After seeing the taxis branded “Hands off Ace Magashule and Jacob Zuma”, Mbalula, who was in Limpopo for ministerial work, confronted the taxi owner and asked him why he branded his taxi with ANC colours.
In a video clip that went viral on social media, Mbalula was heard shouting at the driver telling him that his branded taxis would not reach Johannesburg.
The owner was also heard saying he was not involved in ANC battles but was supporting the ANC.
Apart from taxis, Sefofi also owned a fleet of trucks which at the time said he also used in supporting the ANC during elections for free of charge.
He had said he also supported the government by promoting Covid-19 awareness campaigns using his vehicles.
South African National Taxi Council distanced itself from the taxi owner and instructed him to immediately remove the stickers.
The organisation said the taxi owner was not given permission by the taxi body as per policy.
Daily News