Tributes have poured in for human rights activist Ayanda Kota, who died in Cape Town on Thursday, nearly three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Makanda Unemployed People's Movement (UPM) leader has died at the age of 48 after being transferred to Cape Town from Gkebelha in the Eastern Cape.
Kota is instrumental in organizing thousands of unemployed workers in Makanda City to promote a politics of love aimed at combating corruption in the municipality and addressing the inhumane conditions of the poor and unemployed. did.
UPM chairman Mahlbundi Hlubi Kuhlain said he was saddened and angry that the Eastern Cape health system had failed his friend.
“Our health system failed Ayanda. Throughout his life, he fought for improvements in our health system. But when he needed it most, things got even worse and he The hospital where he was admitted only provided an intravenous drip, and now he is a statistic of people who should not have died but died because of the public health system,'' said Coulane.
he said daily maverick Kota had a good heart and fought for what was right without disrespect or hatred.
“People came to him first. He was very selfless, and even though he lived in poverty, that didn't stop him from helping others. I think that's why he was so selfless. I think they want to be remembered for what they did.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Babaluwa, his partner and mother of his children, his five children, his sister Mandisa who was always by his side, and his entire family. Our thoughts are with them. Hamba Karl, Comrade Ayanda. ”
Condolences flooded in
Cota's friend and environmental rights leader Feron Pedro 350africa.org“We are very sorry to hear of his passing. Comrade Ayanda was a dedicated leader who made great sacrifices for the working class movement to which he devoted his life. Dear Comrade, We will miss your revolutionary energy and humbly thank you for your contributions.”
The International Labor Research and Information Group said: “We will always remember his sharp mind, his uncompromising socialist politics, and his dedication to the lives and struggles of the poor and working class.” . Comrade Ayanda, your energetic spirit and thorough consistency of practice will be greatly missed. We will continue to fight! ”
Read more at Daily Maverick: Election Q&A: UPM's Ayanda Kota
“In the quiet embrace of the Eastern Cape's soil lies the spirit of the warrior Ayanda Kota. With unwavering courage and boundless compassion, he fought against the marginalized, forgotten and oppressed in South Africa,” Mining Affected Communities United said. He has opened a path of hope for those who are suffering.”
A young mentee, Sinesipho Sokjuwa, wrote a heartfelt message to Kota, calling him “a true activist, an uncompromising tower and a shoulder for the entire Makanda community to lean on.” Stated. Ayanda Kota was more than just a comrade to me, she was also my mentor.
“I'm proud to say that one of the reasons I'm an activist is because of him. This tower gave me so much confidence. He taught me to overcome my fear of public speaking. He always encouraged me to speak in front of crowds because he wanted me to.As a struggling student, booties If I needed anything, Ayanda was the first person I called before I called my parents. Tower may be gone, but he will remain in our hearts forever. ”
Read more at Daily Maverick: “How can we survive without water?” — Makanda residents and Rhodes students take up arms
jas south africa He described Cota as “a visionary and revolutionary thinker of our generation.” Ayanda's courageous work is well known in South Africa and abroad, and he is hailed as an internationalist who sought to unite struggles across borders. We honor his remarkable achievements by continuing the struggle he championed for complete emancipation. ”
Neil Aggett Labor Research Unit (Nalsu) at Rhodes University said: statement It was an honor to work with Kota.
“Like many black working class people of his generation and background, much of his schooling took place under the apartheid regime.
“Entering in 1997, he, like many others, was trapped in a cycle of low-paying jobs and unemployment. He did not join the government and secure a luxurious position; “While living in poor conditions, he continued to walk alongside humanity's suffering,” Narus said.
Read more at Daily Maverick: Ayanda Kota: an unapologetic ANC apostate
Abahlari Base Mijondoro Leader Mukhafeli Bonono said. daily maverick“Our thoughts are with the Kota family. This is shocking news. He was great at networking and connecting with all his peers.”
precious moment
Kota's friend, writer Veli mbele ka sompisipaid tribute to their time together as activists at the 1997 Azania Student Conference at Peninsula Technicon (now Cape Peninsula University of Technology), saying:
“There have been many precious and revolutionary moments between us as brothers. We remember your inexhaustible ability to tell stories. On our campus in Cape Town, we have had many precious and revolutionary moments as brothers. We ended up suturing them until the early hours of the morning while they were being released.
“You also had a deep sense of compassion. You were soft-spoken, but a sharp and clear thinker with a deep understanding of phenomena and an irresistible sense of justice.
“I will also remember you as a patient teacher who was always committed to helping others understand the complexities of Black disease.
“In my book, you are one of the great Black Consciousness activists of our generation, and it is no exaggeration to say that without you we would be even poorer as a nation.” DM