Van der Velde has been laid to rest in Cape Town

The late former City of Cape Town Mayor, Frank van der Velde, has been laid to rest in Cape Town. He died last weekend at the age of 81. Van der Velde served as mayor from 1991 to 1993. Current Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, was among those who attended Van der Velde’s funeral service at St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town.

Friends and family gathered at St. George’s Cathedral to pay their last respects to Van de Velde, an activist who was committed to peace and justice. A dedicated civil servant who was always willing to help.

“And not just family. Everyone of you here will know that dad made time for you. When I think of Frank, two words come to mind: With and For. He was either always spending time with someone or doing something for someone even though his health was failing him. I have the opportunity that so many don’t have to say thank you for his guidance, his wisdom and his teaching and to acknowledge the role he played in my life before his passing,” says his son, Mark van de Velde.

Van de Velde was born in 1943 in East London in the Eastern Cape. He has been described as a leader who led the city during the time of critical transition to democracy. He presided over the City Council at a time of increasing political and social change, notably welcoming Nelson Mandela and Frank Chikane for the historic National Peace Accord conference in Cape Town in 1991.

He took part in peace marches when political activists were calling for an end to apartheid, just before the country’s transition to democracy. Cape Town Mayor Hill-Lewis says Van der Velde was a dedicated civil servant who championed peace and justice during his tenure.

“Well, I still think that is the constant challenge and work that we are still continuing today to make our society a more united one. A more free one, a more justice society, and there’s always work to do. So when you attend events like this as sad as they are they also encouraging because they remind you that this work continues from generation to generation and it’s never done. So I really appreciate the encouragement he gave me in that work and I appreciate everything that he did.”

Van der Velde was also a caring father and husband who showed love to all the people of the city he led. His other son, Jason van der Velde, also paid tribute to him.

“I will find you in a level of brave and noble standing up to justice and prosecution and say no more. Not on my watch.”

He remained active in local politics after his tenure, advising and supporting council initiatives and contributing his voice and advice to public causes.