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Mabaso hailed as caring leader
- Details
- 11 July 2011
Speakers spoke of Sicelo Mabaso, the late taxi industry leader, as a man of great strength and foresight, a pioneer.
THE late Sicelo Mabaso was a leader who was willing to save the community at his own expense, said Matshidiso Mfikoe, the portfolio head for public safety, at his funeral on 9 July at Diepkloof Hall.
She was speaking at the service on behalf of Executive Mayor Parks Tau.
"When the City embarked on the Rea Vaya project five years ago to develop a sustainable and cheaper mode of transport, the taxi industry was a long-term partner and it was through the leadership of Mr Mabaso that this partnership worked."
He was the kind of leader who always went the extra mile in carrying out his responsibilities. His was a decisive voice with a passion for the transport industry. He provided relevant leadership with clarity of vision, she added.
"There is no passion to be found in playing small, settling for a life that is less than the one that you are capable of living," said Mfikoe, quoting Nelson Mandela.
Mabaso was known for playing an instrumental role in transforming the taxi Industry into a modern and formal organisation.
He was at the forefront of the implementation of the City's first Bus Rapid Transit bus operating company, owned by taxi operators. PioTrans is the operating company set up for Rea Vaya Phase 1A. Mabaso was elected the first chairperson of the board, and he was a shareholder in the company.
This came off his significant leadership positions in the taxi industry. He was the national chairperson of Top Six Taxi Organisation, the chairman of National Taxi Alliance, and the chairman of the Nancefield Dube West Taxi Owners.
Key figures in the transport industry attended the funeral, as did politicians, friends and neighbours who spoke about his works.
The mayoral committee member for transport, Rehana Moosajee, said: "Working with Sicelo since 2006, we have journeyed through a very challenging project, the Rea Vaya BRT.
"He remained focused and dedicated to his work, in spite of the difficulties we encountered along the way. His leadership, calm nature and humanity shall be deeply missed. We salute you," she said.
To his grandchildren, neighbours and relatives, Mkhulu – as they know him – was not just a businessman; he was also a dedicated family man and a devoted church leader.
His elder son, Thulani Mabaso, told the mourners not to grieve, but instead to celebrate his father's works. "He touched us all, united the family. Mkhulu was a mentor and friend; he inspired all of us."
Members of the Antioch Apostolic Church in Zion, in which he was a bishop, described him as a man who always strove to serve the will of God and help the needy.
Football
His leadership will not only be missed in the transport industry; the football family is also mourning his death. Godfrey Gxulu, a shareholder in football team Moroka Swallows, said: "We have lost a true Swallows. He was a one of a kind leader and had passion for local football."
Mabaso's association with the Swallows dates back to 1969, when he joined the club as a supporter. He became a shareholder in 1971 when it became a public company. He was later elected the chairman of the Minority Shareholders Forum at Swallows, a position he occupied till his death.
He was born on7 June 1944 in KwaQhudebe, Mahlabathini in KwaZulu-Natal, and moved to Johannesburg in 1964, where he furthered his studies in theology and business administration. He began his working life as a furniture salesperson.
Mabaso passed away on 30 June and was buried at Westpark Cemetery. He is survived by his children, 12 grandchildren, two sisters and a brother.
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