Ayanda Kota

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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]

Contents

Arrest and assault

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All charges against Kota were withdrawn a month after the arrest.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]

Role during 2015 xenophobia crisis

In October 2015 Grahamstown was wracked by serious xenophobic violence. Kota played a key role in grassroots work to oppose xenophobia. [22] [23]

Death

Kota died of cancer on 22 February 2024, following which tributes to his work were made by many activists. [24]

Publications

Some of his published articles are:

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References

  1. ↑ "Occupy South Africa on the Global Occupy Map". Archived from the original on 1 December 2011. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
  2. ↑ Mixed feelings after Centenary celebrations, South African Broadcasting Corporation, 9 January 2012
  3. ↑ Kota steps down, Stuart Thembisile Lewis, Student News Grid, 10 May 2012
  4. ↑ Makana stars shine at soccer awards Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine , Malibongwe Maxhawulana, Grocott's Mail, 14 March 2011
  5. ↑ Dissident Voices from South Africa, IndyMedia UK
  6. ↑ Ayanda Kota: Unapologetic ANC apostate, by Mandy de Waal, The Daily Maverick, 7 February 2012
  7. ↑ Eastern Cape's so-called health system: In dire need of resuscitation, by Mandy de Waal, The Daily Maverick, June 2012
  8. ↑ State to get tough on violent protesters Archived 2013-02-18 at the Wayback Machine , The Herald, 15 February 2013 Quinton Mtyala
  9. ↑ Picket sparks City Hall action Archived 2013-05-06 at the Wayback Machine , Thembani Onceya. Grocott's Mail, 3 May 2013
  10. ↑ Outcry over ‘savage assault’ Archived January 17, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , ADRIENNE CARLISLE and DAVID MACGREGOR, The Daily Dispatch, 14 January 2012
  11. ↑ Grahamstown activist arrested for book theft FARANAAZ PARKER, Mail & Guardian, Jan 13 2012
  12. ↑ UPM leader arrested and allegedly beaten by police Archived 2012-03-13 at the Wayback Machine , Desiree Schirlinger & Michael Salzwedel, Grocott's Mail, 13 January 2012
  13. ↑ Amnesty International Annual Report - South Africa,2013
  14. ↑ Ayanda Kota Assaulted in the Grahamstown Police Station - Under Arrest, Unemployed People's Movement
  15. ↑ Students for Social Justice Statement on the Arrest of Ayanda Kota, Students for Social Justice
  16. ↑ Ayanda Kota: We are all in the same boat Archived April 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , The Mandela Park Backyarders
  17. ↑ Drop Charges Against Ayanda Kota Archived March 20, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , Democratic Left Front
  18. ↑ Release Ayanda Kota Now!, Abahlali baseMjondolo
  19. ↑ Ayanda Kota's Response to Claudia Martinez-Mullen, January 2012
  20. ↑ No charges, but cops still want to throw the book at Kota, FARANAAZ PARKER, Mail & Guardian, 2012
  21. ↑ Activist to get compensated following police assault, David Doochin, GroundUp, 16 October 2016
  22. ↑ Xenophobia in Grahamstown: 'We are not leaving!', KJ VAN RENSBURG, F MTHONTI & M ERSKOG, The Daily Maverick, 29 October 2015
  23. ↑ OHalloran, P. (2016). "Contested Space and Citizenship in Grahamstown, South Africa". Journal of Asian and African Studies. 53: 20–33. doi:10.1177/0021909616664920. ISSN   0021-9096. S2CID   151789387.
  24. ↑ Ayanda Kota, who dedicated his life to fighting for the underdog, has died, Loyiso Dyongman, Ground Up, 23 February 2024
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