It is my privilege to pay tribute to the man that has personified Alberton and have given character to the community every Albertonian call home.
On behalf of my family I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Annette, Corlia and oom Johann’s family for their great loss.
The whole of Alberton lost a great man that loved this town so much that he was fondly bestowed the title – Mr Alberton.
Majestic in stature his personality was equally strong, yet he had a heart of gold and served his community and fellow man with unrivalled passion.
As a born Albertonian I had the privilege to be moulded and shaped by the hands of the father of our town.
Oom Johann was like a father to me and in many respects I could not help but feel he coached me as if I was his son.
For 20 years Oom Johann played a pivotal role in my life both personally and politically.
As a young man he taught me the value of community, relationship and friendship.
Oom Johann ushered me into public life and guided me every step of the way.
He was passionate about local government and he personally ran my campaign in 2000 to become a member of the first Ekurhuleni Municipal Council.
On my journey in local government I made countless mistakes and Oom Johann was always there to give me advice, mentorship and support without any judgement.
The one lesson he drilled into me was to always “do the right thing and never the popular thing”.
Oom Johann was well liked by all that knew him and respected by political leaders from all sides.
During his public career he served the community as municipal councillor and chaired the Alberton Town Council Management Committee for decades.
He put Alberton on the map by representing local government on various national and international forums.
Johann van der Merwe was honoured by the people of Alberton for his unrivalled contribution and public service with the prestigious and lifelong honour as “Alderman of Alberton”.
Few have done what Johann van der Merwe did for his community and he leaves a lasting legacy behind.
Oom Johann will be surely missed and his absence will leave a great void in the lives of all that have loved him.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Neil Diamond, alderman – City of Ekurhuleni
