Durban — Condolences and tributes are pouring in for eThekwini Municipality, ward 10 councillor, Terence Peter Collins, who died of cancer on Saturday.
Collins, also known as Tex, was a DA councillor. He served the community of Durban and the outer west region for 27 years as a councillor and DA caucus leader, and served on the eThekwini Municipal Public Accounts Committee.
Leader of the DA in KwaZulu-Natal, Francois Rodgers, said Collins died after a short battle against cancer. He described Collins as a man who was not afraid to speak his mind and who often used his sharp wit to drive a point.
“Tex was certainly a colourful character in the corridors of the city hall. With Tex, there were no grey areas when it came to matters of principle. One such example was his use of the phrase, ‘It’s not worth a bucket of spit’,” Rodgers said.
“I recall my first interactions with him on the old Durban city council executive committee when Margaret Winter was still the mayor back then,” said councillor Haniff Hoosen, who added that he learnt many leadership skills under Collins’ guidance.
Hoosen said Collins was never afraid to raise his voice against any wrongdoing and stood unshaken on issues that mattered to him.
“Collins represented the people of our city with absolute dedication and commitment. ‘T Rex’ as I called him was just as feisty and courageous as we always knew him. I learnt from him the importance of speaking out about your views and opinions regardless of whether others agreed or not. He was always admired for his equal treatment towards everyone and made the effort to make his presence known wherever he went,” Hoosen said.
DA leader, John Steenhuisen, said he served alongside Collins for more than 20 years. He first met Collins when he was putting up posters for Eddie Lion-Cachet’s by-election.
Collins became ill recently. As an indication of his dedication to his job, Steenhuisen said, when he visited Collins a few weeks ago, his biggest concern was that he was missing work.
“Tex loved the DA and I will miss his teasing, his encouragement and his support immensely. We are deeply grateful as a party for his incredible life of service.”
Hlengiwe Precious Shozi, who joined the DA caucus team in 2011, said Collins constantly mentored her; every time she needed advice Collins was there.
The Collins family asked for time to grieve and said they would release a statement soon.
Daily News