Activist dies after being beaten up
The killing of a Mdantsane, East London, philanthropist has sent shockwaves across the Eastern Cape.
Nkosohlanga Mkhonjwa, 64, died in hospital on Monday after being assaulted, reportedly as he left a traditional celebration (umgidi) in Zwelitsha on Saturday.
Mkhonjwa was actively involved in community development work and a civil society activist, and was the founder of organisations like Men for Change, which fights genderbased violence.
He also set up the Emihle Foundation and the Mdantsane Heritage Foundation, which stood against women and child abuse, and supported youth development.
He was also an avid ANC alliance member.
Police spokesperson Captain Siphokazi Mawisa said a murder case had been opened after police found Mkhonjwa badly beaten on the side of the road in Zwelitsha early on Sunday.
“The police were notified by residents that someone had been beaten up,” he said.
“An ambulance was called to take him to hospital.”
Mkhonjwa’s unexpected death has been described as a huge loss by family and friends.
His daughter, Asekho, said the family began a search for him when he had not returned home by Monday morning.
Mkhonjwa was tracked down to Grey Hospital where he was in a bad state.
He was transferred to Cecilia Makiwane hospital on Monday and died that evening after being declared brain dead by doctors, Asekho said.
“My dad had a passionate nature and was a very big dreamer. He was willing to go the extra mile for all.
“We are so sad that he had to die so violently, since he spent his entire life fighting violence.
“My father was a vibrant fighter, and we would love to get justice for him.”
Fellow ANC member Thabang Maseko said Mkhonjwa had changed the lives of many people through his civic foundations.
“He was a great intellectual and I learnt a lot from him.”
The Rev Xolamzi Sam, a former CEO of Men for Change, said he had taken the foundation over from Mkhonjwa.