Ayanda Kota

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

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All charges against Kota were withdrawn a month after the arrest.^[20]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:

• 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