Loyiso Nkohla Remembered as a Fearless Champion of South Africa’s Poor

Loyiso Nkohla, a community activist and political figure who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of disadvantaged South Africans, is being remembered for his courage, leadership and commitment to social justice. In a tribute, Prince Sivile Mabandla reflects on the life of his younger brother, who would have turned 44 on October 7. The trial of those accused of his murder was scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.

Mabandla described Nkohla as a man whose greatest concern was the suffering of ordinary people, particularly poor Black, Coloured and Indian communities. Despite his royal family background, he chose to stand alongside working-class residents, homeless people and families living in difficult conditions.

Nkohla was known for his political involvement and his determination to challenge problems affecting local communities. After being expelled from the African National Congress (ANC), he continued pursuing his political goals. Mabandla said his brother’s expulsion was linked to his leadership in the Asijiki Brigade, a faction that promoted generational change within the party.

Nkohla later joined the Democratic Alliance (DA), demonstrating the political influence he had developed. According to Mabandla, other leaders expelled alongside him eventually established their own political parties and went on to contest elections.

One of Nkohla’s most significant contributions was helping establish the Ses’khona People’s Rights Movement in 2013. Through the movement, he brought together residents of informal settlements in areas including Khayelitsha, Philippi, Langa, Dunoon and Kraaifontein. Their campaign highlighted the lack of proper sanitation, clean water and decent housing, bringing these everyday struggles into the national conversation.

Mabandla said Nkohla understood that these basic needs were matters of human dignity, not merely political talking points. He believed that communities facing similar hardships could unite across racial divisions to demand better living conditions.

On April 17, 2023, Nkohla was shot dead while attending a community meeting at Philippi train station. According to the tribute, he had been preparing to address residents about dignified housing when the attack occurred. His death came just three weeks after the burial of his mother.

Beyond politics, Nkohla was remembered as a devoted husband, father and brother who brought love, humour and energy to his family.

Mabandla also used the tribute to criticise political parties for sidelining leaders chosen by communities in favour of factional interests. He argued that such practices weaken democracy and cause voters to lose confidence in political organisations.

Nkohla’s legacy, Mabandla concluded, lives on through the communities he served and the ongoing struggle for accountability, fairness and genuine leadership in South Africa.

https://iol.co.za/news/2026-10-27-tribute-to-loyiso-nkohla-a-radical-voice-for-the-voiceless-in-south-africa/

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