Former Eastern Cape Safety and Security MEC, Dennis Neer, will be laid to rest in a final farewell ceremony on Saturday. The news of his passing has left the entire province in shock and mourning, as he was a well-respected and dedicated leader who served the people of the Eastern Cape with passion and commitment.
Neer, who was 56 years old, passed away on Monday after a long battle with cancer. He had been in the position of MEC for Safety and Security since 2014 and had made significant contributions to the province during his tenure. His passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences and tributes from colleagues, friends, and community members.
Neer’s funeral will be held at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by family, friends, and government officials. The stadium, which has a capacity of 46,000, is expected to be filled to capacity as people come to pay their last respects to the late MEC.
Neer’s career in politics began in the early 1990s when he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and became actively involved in the struggle against apartheid. He was a dedicated activist and played a crucial role in the liberation of South Africa. After the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, Neer continued to serve his community in various capacities, including as a councillor and later as a member of the provincial legislature.
In 2014, Neer was appointed as the MEC for Safety and Security, a position he held until his passing. During his time in office, he implemented various initiatives to improve the safety and security of the province, including the establishment of community policing forums and the deployment of additional police resources in high-crime areas. He was also a strong advocate for community involvement in crime prevention and worked closely with local communities to address their safety concerns.
Neer was known for his hands-on approach and was often seen visiting crime hotspots and engaging with community members to find solutions to their safety challenges. He was also a champion for the rights of women and children and worked tirelessly to combat gender-based violence in the province.
His dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and he received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the community. He was also highly respected by his colleagues and was known for his integrity and leadership skills.
The news of Neer’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from all corners of the province. Many have described him as a humble and compassionate leader who always put the needs of the people first. His passing has left a void in the province, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In a statement, Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, expressed his condolences and described Neer as a dedicated public servant who served the people of the province with distinction. “We have lost a true leader and a selfless servant of the people. His passing is a great loss to the province, and his legacy will continue to inspire us to work towards a safer and more secure Eastern Cape,” said Mabuyane.
Neer’s passing serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to serving their communities. He will be remembered as a true hero and a role model for future leaders.
As we bid farewell to Dennis Neer, let us also celebrate his life and the impact he had on the Eastern Cape. His legacy will live on, and his contributions to the province will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.
