Johnny Arends, Ward 34 Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor, tragically passed away in a fatal accident on the R75 highway.
The news of his untimely death was announced on Facebook on April 26 by Councillor Rano Kayser, the DA’s Caucus Leader in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Councillor Johnny Arends (Ward 34). Councillor Arends was involved in a fatal accident at the R75 & M17 crossing between Despatch and Port Elizabeth,” Kayser wrote. Arends is one of several recent victims of accidents on the dangerous R75, which has gained a reputation as a high-risk road for motorists.
On Wednesday, April 30, at the late councillor’s home in Bethelsdorp, a moving tribute ceremony was attended by family, friends, and over 50 cars filled with mourners. In pouring rain, DA members, dressed in their party’s blue colours, came together to pay their respects. The service saw a blend of worship, heartfelt speeches, and reflections on Arends’ relentless dedication to the community.
Colleagues remembered Arends as a leader who lived by the mantra “purpose before politics.”
At the gathering, Nelson Mandela Bay Speaker, Eugene Johnson reflected on Arends’ legacy, “He was the longest-serving member of the safety and transportation department. Losing leaders who genuinely have the interests of people at heart is painful. Many [people] step into leadership for the wrong reasons, but not Johnny. He wasn’t afraid to fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. He will be dearly missed.”
The chief whip of the Democratic Alliance, Gustav Rautenbach, spoke of Arends’ humility and love for his family, describing him as someone who served not for recognition but because he genuinely cared for people. “Johnny believed in showing up and doing what needed to be done. His way of getting things done will live on in all of us,” Rautenbach said.
Councillor Georgen Miggels, who is also a pastor, read from Psalms 11:3, offering spiritual comfort to the family and urging them to find strength in faith.
Arends’ uncle, Philip, shared with the PE Express personal memories of the late councillor, praising him as a dependable and selfless individual who was always ready to assist. In a tearful address, Philip said, “When I needed something, I would call Johnny, and he’d immediately say, ‘I’ll be there now.’ I will miss my boy like no one else.”
Johnny’s daughter, Janice Arends, added to her great-uncle’s words, recounting the deep bond she shared with her father. “My dad and I were so close. He always supported me, and I supported him. He called me whenever he needed something, even moments before losing his life, and now I can’t believe I’ll never hear his voice again. I never thought the day would come when I uttered these words, but may his soul rest in peace,” she said emotionally.
The ceremony painted a picture of a man who was not only a leader but also a committed father and friend, known for his compassion and resolve to serve the people of his community. His passing has reignited concerns over the R75 highway, a stretch of road that has seen multiple fatalities in recent weeks.
Lwando Mahlasela, SANRAL’s media relations manager, addressed ongoing safety concerns regarding the R75. “The operation and maintenance of traffic signals and street lighting rest with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan (NMBM).
The ongoing theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure along road networks present a significant challenge. SANRAL, in collaboration with NMBM, is implementing a pilot programme focused on infrastructure hardening, CCTV surveillance, monitoring, and armed security response at traffic signals,” he said. The project’s first pilot at the R75 and Mati Road intersection is progressing well, with implementation expected after the Traffic Monitoring Centre (TMC) becomes operational in July 2025.
Mahlasela also acknowledged that SANRAL has requested crash records from the NMBM and law enforcement to conduct a road safety review. Depending on the findings, SANRAL will consider appropriate interventions, including engineering, enforcement, and education measures, to address the alarming rate of accidents.
Meanwhile, Johnny Arends’ legacy – his dedication to serving people, his humility, and his relentless advocacy – will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew him. As one speaker aptly put it, Johnny Arends was “a warrior for his community,” someone who exemplified the true meaning of leadership through service. His death is a profound loss, not only for his family and friends but for the entire Ward 34 community.
A memorial service will be held for the late councillor, today, Wednesday, May 7 at 17:30.
The memorial service will take place at the West End Community Hall, 5 St Bridget Street, West End, Bethelsdorp. Arends will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 10, at the Bethelsdorp Congregational Church, Extension 32, Kleinskool. The service will start at 10:00.
Credit: Nkosazana Ngwadla
