Ayanda Kota (b. 1976 d. 2024) was an activist who was the founded the Unemployed Peoples' Movement in Grahamstown, South Africa in 2009 and became its first chairperson. [1] [2] [3] He was also the President of the Makana Football Association. [4] His political roots were in the black consciousness movement [5] and he was strongly critical of the ruling African National Congress. [6] [7] [8] He was the organiser for the Unemployed People's Movement. [9]
On 12 January 2012 he was arrested on a charge of theft after failing to return two books that he had borrowed from a local academic. He was subject to police assault while in custody. [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] A number of organisations issued statements in response to the arrest. [15] [16] [17] [18] Kota later stated that he had misplaced the books in question and had repeatedly offered to replace them and that this offer had been clearly communicated to the police. [19]
All charges against Kota were withdrawn a month after the arrest. [20]
In October 2016 the Minister of Police admitted that the assault had taken place and agreed to pay Kota R 120 000 in compensation. [21]
In October 2015 Grahamstown was wracked by serious xenophobic violence. Kota played a key role in grassroots work to oppose xenophobia. [22] [23]
Kota died of cancer on 22 February 2024, following which tributes to his work were made by many activists. [24]
Some of his published articles are: