IS NKULULEKO ALIVE, DEAD OR RISEN FROM HIS GRAVE?
by Bandile Mdlalose
It has been almost three months since Nkululeko Gwala, a leader and activist of Cato Crest, was assassinated for speaking the truth.
Nkululeko was labeled, named and framed for being a bad leader and leading the protest which led to the burning down of the councilor’s office which took place on Tuesday 25 July 2013 at night. Of course this accusation was not true. But the politicians always think that they have got the answers to everything. Their role is to label activists who speak the truth, and to destroy their reputation. They always protect the system of oppression that makes some of us poor and others rich.
Nkululeko was one of many activists with a passion for bringing change from below. He had the love of the people in heart, and loved his country. He had a vision, and a dream to see a better South Africa, a South Africa of justice and equality. However all his dreams were taken away from him because of leaders who hide information because they want to continue with corruption.
Cato Crest is one of those settlements where development does not involve the people. Where the councillor dictates. Where councilors govern the community as their home, or as Spaza shops where they will do any how because they have the final word.
Nkululeko knew his rights, and was very vocal into opening the eyes of the poor Cato Crest residents and giving them the confidence to rebel. Of course this was not good for the dictator, also known as the ANC councilor in the area, because he was losing the trust of the people, and people were now able to stand for themselves and speak out. Intimidation started to occur as Nkululeko passionately took the lives of Cato Crest people to the upper level where they insisted that they must count in their own development.
People started demanding what is theirs. Nkululeko tried to engage to the councillor to beg him to stop blinding people and listen to what the people want to say. Unfortunately the councilor of the ANC, as many others of this party, decided to continue his dictatorship and ignore the pressure coming from below.
On the night of 25 June 2013, while Nkululeko was at his home, which was confirmed by many other residents, the councilor’s office was burnt down by unknown protesters. It is assumed that they reside in the same and nearby community. The following day the Mayor of eThekwini James Nxumalo, with MEC Dr Dlomo and others came to the community and called a meeting which was meant to mediate the conflict that has occurred between councillor and residents. The agenda changed and was about Nkululeko, were he was accused of leading this protest and burning the councilor’s office. And it was said that his feet needed to be washed and that the Mayor must take him home the following morning. As the words were said Nkululeko Gwala was murdered in the same night after the meeting was called. He was shot 12 times by the izinkabi.
The politicians, who were at that meeting were very sure that Nkululeko is the one who burnt down the office of the councilor. It is strange that on the night of 13 August, months after he was murdered, the hall where the councilor’s office is was burnt down. I am left with a question: is Nkululeko Gwala alive, dead or risen from his grave?
When will the politicians stop taking a passion for justice as treason or crime? When will they stop making accusations against activists that lead to them being forced out of their homes, arrested, tortured or killed? I passionately believe that the speech made by MEC Dr Dlomo had everything to do with Nkululeko death.
Nigel Gumede and Willies Mchunu have also made statements that have justified repression of activists. These people are not democrats. If he had not accused Nkululeko of being a trouble maker and said that his feet must be washed and that the Mayor must take him home none of this would have happened. Nkululeko would be still alive. Now the office and the hall is burnt again. Which activist will be accused next and follow Gwala to the grave? Or has Gwalarisen from his grave to burn again? Some people must answer for Nkululeko’s death. The first one is MEC Dr Dlomo and the second one is the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality James Nxumalo.
Bandile Mdlalose is the 2013 Abahlali baseMjondolo General Secretary – 084 557 5090