DUTYWA- In a poignant farewell ceremony held on 11th September 2025, the Mbhashe Local Municipality’s Community Services Department paid tribute to one of its most distinguished leaders, Chief Traffic Officer Lungisa Bongo as he officially retired from public service.
Marked by a solemn last salute parade, the event celebrated Bongo’s decades of unwavering dedication to community safety and traffic management.
His retirement signifies the end of an era but his legacy remains deeply etched in the region’s public safety framework.
A true pioneer, Bongo was the architect of the salute parade tradition, a hallmark of discipline and professionalism he introduced in 1991. This ritual has since become a proud institution within the department a symbol of the values he championed throughout his career.
“From 1991 I started this parade, I leave this legacy to all of you please continue where I left off. It has been an honour to work with you,” Bongo said in his heartfelt farewell addressing colleagues and mentees with humility and conviction.
In addition the event drew an array of dignitaries from across the law enforcement and municipal landscape, underscoring Bongo’s impact and collaborative leadership.
Among the attendees were Mbhashe Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor Cllr Samkelo Janda, senior officials from the Eastern Cape Traffic Department, representatives from disaster management in the Amathole District Municipality and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Their presence was a testament to Bongo’s revered standing and the bridges he built between departments, always putting community wellbeing at the forefront.As he enters retirement, Chief Traffic Officer Bongo leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, discipline and an unwavering commitment to public service.
His influence will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of officers and public servants in Mbhashe and beyond.
