It was with great sadness that the Cities Alliance learned of the passing of William Jiyana on 8 August 2021.
In his role as Chief Director, Stakeholder and Inter-governmental Relations, William had represented the Department of Human Settlements of South Africa, both on the Cities Alliance Management Board and the Assembly.
He exemplified the role of a professional civil servant – he was courteous, principled and very deliberate in his actions. William had a wonderful, open and friendly personality – charming and good-humoured, but also able to articulate very clear and firm positions.
When William spoke, everyone paid attention and listened. Everyone who met him, remembers him.
His is an enormous loss – to the Department, to South Africa and internationally. He will be fondly remembered, and sorely missed.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, and to his colleagues. May he rest in peace.
