30 July 2026

The Edgar Legoale Foundation joins the Mochela family, the African National Congress (ANC), the people of Ngwathe, the Fezile Dabi District and the broader Free State Province in mourning the passing of former Executive Mayor of Ngwathe Local Municipality, Ms Joey Mochela.

South Africa has lost a dedicated public servant, a respected political leader, a community activist and a woman who devoted her life to the service of others. Ms Mochela’s passing marks the end of an important chapter in the history of Ngwathe and the Free State, where she spent decades working to improve the lives of ordinary people through public service, community development and political leadership.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ms Mochela served as the Executive Mayor of Ngwathe Local Municipality, an ANC Proportional Representation (PR) Councillor in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, a former member of the African National Congress Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and a former leader of the ANC Women’s League in the Free State. In every responsibility entrusted to her, she remained committed to advancing the values of democracy, good governance, equality and service to the people.

Ms Mochela was particularly passionate about the development and empowerment of young people. She firmly believed that investing in youth was investing in the future of South Africa. Throughout her years in public office and political leadership, she championed initiatives that created opportunities for young people, encouraged education, promoted sports development and supported programmes that strengthened communities. She understood that sustainable development is achieved when government, civil society, businesses and communities work together.

The Edgar Legoale Foundation will forever remain grateful for the support Ms Mochela extended to our organisation over many years. During her tenure as Executive Mayor, she supported a number of our community development programmes and initiatives aimed at uplifting the people of Ngwathe. She was also a strong supporter of our football development programmes and community soccer tournaments, recognising sport as a powerful tool for youth development, social cohesion and building safer communities.

Beyond her public responsibilities, Ms Mochela was a compassionate and caring individual who always made herself available whenever support was needed. She stood alongside the Edgar Legoale Foundation on numerous occasions and was equally present during some of the Legoale family’s most difficult moments, including funerals and other important family gatherings. Her willingness to stand with families during times of grief reflected her humility, humanity and genuine love for the people she served.

Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, Mr Edgar Legoale, said Ms Mochela’s passing is a profound loss for both the organisation and the broader community.

“Mama Joey Mochela dedicated her life to serving the people with humility, dignity and compassion. She believed that leadership was about being present in communities, listening to people’s challenges and working together to find solutions.

She was passionate about empowering young people and consistently supported programmes that created opportunities for them. Our Foundation benefited greatly from her encouragement and support, particularly our community development initiatives and football tournaments, because she understood the important role these programmes play in changing lives.

On a personal level, Mama Joey was more than a public representative. She became part of our family’s journey, always making time to support us during funerals and important family occasions. Those acts of kindness can never be measured by any public office. They reflected the caring and selfless person she truly was.

Her life reminds us that true leadership is not measured by titles, but by the positive impact we leave in the lives of others. We thank her for her service, friendship, guidance and unwavering commitment to the people of Ngwathe. Her legacy will continue to inspire us to serve our communities with integrity, compassion and dedication.”

As we mourn Ms Joey Mochela, we also celebrate a life lived in service of others. Her contributions to local government, the African National Congress, women’s leadership, youth empowerment and community development have left a lasting mark on Ngwathe, the Free State and South Africa. Future generations will remember her as a leader who placed people first and believed in building stronger communities through unity, service and hard work.

The Edgar Legoale Foundation extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Mochela family, the African National Congress, the ANC Women’s League, the Ngwathe Local Municipality, the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, her friends, former colleagues and every person whose life was touched by her dedication and kindness.

May her memory continue to inspire servant leadership, integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to developing communities and empowering young people.

Creating a Brighter Future

Issued by:

Nthabiseng Molejane
Foundation Manager
Edgar Legoale Foundation

082 287 2290

nthabiseng@edgarlegoale.com

www.edgarlegoale.com