GEORGE NEWS - A living memorial now stands outside the George Civic Centre in honour of late Councillor Vulindlela Mruqhli, who died while serving on the George Council.
An Outeniqua Yellowwood was recently planted on the Civic Centre lawn in a ceremony attended by Mruqhli’s family, fellow councillors from across the political spectrum and municipal representatives.
His wife, Christina, was joined by some of their children and grandchildren, adding a deeply personal element to the tribute to the husband, father and grandfather whose loss is still felt by those closest to him.
George Council Speaker Cllr Sean Snyman said the choice of tree was deliberate.
“The finest memorial is not what stands still, but what continues to grow.”
The protected indigenous Outeniqua Yellowwood can live for up to 1 000 years and may not be removed or destroyed, making it, according to Snyman, a fitting symbol of Mruqhli’s contribution to the community.
“This tree will continue to grow long after we are gone, providing a lasting reminder of Cllr Mruqhli and the contribution he made to George,” he said.
The tree has also been geocoded by the Botanical Gardens and linked to a special message honouring Mruqhli, creating a permanent digital record of the memorial and its location.
Snyman said the living memorial reflects the way a person’s legacy develops over time.
“A tree begins small, but with time it grows stronger, provides shelter and becomes part of the landscape around it. In much the same way, the legacy of those who serve their communities is often found not only in the positions they held, but in the people they touched and the difference they made,” he said.
Cllr Thembinkosi Lento, who served with Cllr Mruqhli in Council, puts the tree in the ground.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
