Personal message

South Africa is mourning the untimely passing of human rights activist Ayanda Kota. Ayanda succumbed to a short but intense battle with cancer in late February, following a brief spell of treatment in Makhanda, Gqeberha, and then Cape Town. On Saturday the 2nd of March, he will be laid to rest in Makhanda where he was born in 1976 and spent much of his life.

Ayanda was fiercely committed to fighting toward a life of dignity for South Africa’s poor and marginalized, from his early days as a student activist in the Black Consciousness Movement. In 2009 he founded the Unemployed People’s Movement, a social movement committed to giving voice, visibility, and representation to South Africa’s unemployed and under-employed, who constitute the vast majority of the country.  In 2019 Ayanda and the UPM, played a significant role in taking the Makhanda municipality to court for failing to deliver basic services to its people, and in 2021 Ayanda helped found the Makana Citizen’s Front, a resident's party that was able to win 5 seats in local government elections.

Multiple tributes have acknowledged the enormous role Ayanda played in shaping struggles for dignity and equality in South Africa. He inspired thousands across the country and will be truly be missed by many, and above all his immediate family. Ayanda leaves behind Babalwa, his partner, and five beautiful children they have cared for and nurtured. Ayanda’s sudden loss has left the Kota family devastated, both emotionally and financially. As they navigate this difficult time, they are confronted with the daunting task of covering funeral expenses, as well as the vacuum of support that Ayanda’s departure leaves — a challenge they simply cannot face alone.

We are reaching out to our community, friends, comrades, and supporters to join hands in providing solace to the grieving Kota family. Your contribution will help alleviate the financial strain they are facing, allowing them to focus on remembering and honoring the beautiful life of Ayanda and his legacy through supporting the future of his family.

Here's how you can make a difference:

Donate: Every contribution, big or small, will make a significant impact. Your generosity will directly go towards funeral costs, as well as the long-term financial needs of the family.

Share: Share this message with your friends, and family, and on social media. The more people who know, the more support we can gather for the grieving family.

Together, as a compassionate community, we can make a difference in the lives of the Kota family. Let's come together to honor the memory of Ayanda and provide the support they need during this trying period.

Thank you for your kindness, empathy, and generosity.

Donations