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]
Arrest and assault edit
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All charges against Kota were withdrawn a month after the arrest.[20]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 edit
In October 2015 Grahamstown was wracked by serious xenophobic violence. Kota played a key role in grassroots work to oppose xenophobia.[22][23]
Death edit
Kota died of cancer on 22 February 2024, following which tributes to his work were made by many activists.[24]
Publications edit
Some of his published articles are:
- SA, we cannot say we are free, Ayanda Kota, Afro-Spear, 2011
- Malema does not speak for poor youths, Ayanda Kota, Mail & Guardian, 2011
- Secrecy Bill shows ANC's historic mission is over, Ayanda Kota, Mail & Guardian, December 2011
- ANC centenary a display of elite power, Ayanda Kota, Links, January 2012
- Time for radical action on the unemployment crisis, Ayanda Kota, Pambazuka, 17 May 2012
- Apartheid petty and grand, old and new is evil, Ayanda Kota, Pambazuka, 26 April 2012
- The Marikana mine workers massacre: a massive escalation in the war on the poor, Ayanda Kota, San Francisco Bay View, 18 August 2012
- Biko’s struggle goes on, Ayanda Kota, Grocott's Mail, 12 September 2013
- Don’t vote for these messiahs, Ayanda Kota, GroundUp, 2 April 2014
- In Memory of Comrade Nkosi Molala - Honorary President of the Black Consciousness Movement, Ayanda Kota, GroundUp, 22 September 2016
References edit
- ^ "Occupy South Africa on the Global Occupy Map". Archived from the original on 1 December 2011. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
- ^ Mixed feelings after Centenary celebrations, South African Broadcasting Corporation, 9 January 2012
- ^ Kota steps down, Stuart Thembisile Lewis, Student News Grid, 10 May 2012
- ^ Makana stars shine at soccer awards Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine, Malibongwe Maxhawulana, Grocott's Mail, 14 March 2011
- ^ Dissident Voices from South Africa, IndyMedia UK
- ^ Ayanda Kota: Unapologetic ANC apostate, by Mandy de Waal, The Daily Maverick, 7 February 2012
- ^ Eastern Cape's so-called health system: In dire need of resuscitation, by Mandy de Waal, The Daily Maverick, June 2012
- ^ State to get tough on violent protesters Archived 2013-02-18 at the Wayback Machine, The Herald, 15 February 2013 Quinton Mtyala
- ^ Picket sparks City Hall action Archived 2013-05-06 at the Wayback Machine, Thembani Onceya. Grocott's Mail, 3 May 2013
- ^ Outcry over ‘savage assault’ Archived January 17, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, ADRIENNE CARLISLE and DAVID MACGREGOR, The Daily Dispatch, 14 January 2012
- ^ Grahamstown activist arrested for book theft FARANAAZ PARKER, Mail & Guardian, Jan 13 2012
- ^ 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
- ^ Amnesty International Annual Report - South Africa,2013
- ^ Ayanda Kota Assaulted in the Grahamstown Police Station - Under Arrest, Unemployed People's Movement
- ^ Students for Social Justice Statement on the Arrest of Ayanda Kota, Students for Social Justice
- ^ Ayanda Kota: We are all in the same boat Archived April 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, The Mandela Park Backyarders
- ^ Drop Charges Against Ayanda Kota Archived March 20, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Democratic Left Front
- ^ Release Ayanda Kota Now!, Abahlali baseMjondolo
- ^ Ayanda Kota's Response to Claudia Martinez-Mullen, January 2012
- ^ No charges, but cops still want to throw the book at Kota, FARANAAZ PARKER, Mail & Guardian, 2012
- ^ Activist to get compensated following police assault, David Doochin, GroundUp, 16 October 2016
- ^ Xenophobia in Grahamstown: 'We are not leaving!', KJ VAN RENSBURG, F MTHONTI & M ERSKOG, The Daily Maverick, 29 October 2015
- ^ 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.
- ^ Ayanda Kota, who dedicated his life to fighting for the underdog, has died, Loyiso Dyongman, Ground Up, 23 February 2024