RESIDENTS vow to continue slain community leader’s fight for justice and safer communities.
Andile Somgaxa Mvuyiselwa (54) of Greenfield near Eden Park, Ekurhuleni was remembered as a fearless activist whose greatest passion was improving the lives of ordinary South Africans.
Friends, fellow activists and residents gathered at East Rand Christian Centre in Greenfield on Wednesday, 15 July for Somgaxa’s memorial service, where speaker after speaker described him as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to fighting crime, unemployment and social injustice.
Somgaxa, who was one of the organisers of the 30 June community march, was shot at his home on Saturday, 4 July and died in hospital on Thursday, 9 July.
His death sent shockwaves through Greenfield and neighbouring communities.
Community leader Andile Lamla said Somgaxa’s legacy should inspire residents to continue the struggle for safer communities and better opportunities for South Africans.
“The blood of Andile Somgaxa Mvuyiselwa must not be in vain. He wanted to see change in this country. He was committed to fighting for the rights of South Africans and played a leading role in the marches held across Ekurhuleni.
“Sadly, his life was cut short by the person who allegedly shot and killed him. We must continue the work he started,” he said.
Somgaxa’s longtime friend, Hlalanathi Dyadume from Mandela Park in Katlehong, said he’d always remember him as more than an activist.
He was a brother, a father figure and a true leader. He believed in education, building the nation and empowering communities.
He recalled how they were arrested together in 2020 while campaigning against unemployment and poor living conditions.
“No matter what happened, he never backed down from his mission to uplift the community,” he said.
Dyadume also shared a personal memory of his late friend.
“While we were in prison, I told him that I wanted to get married. When he met my partner, he told me: ‘This is the woman for you. Don’t let her go’. Today we are still together because of his advice. He wasn’t only my comrade. He was also my mentor and father.”
Another community leader, Thelumusa Mohlapeng described Somgaxa as a hero who always placed the interests of the community first.
“We’ve lost a hero. He stood up for the community and during the March and March protest he was among the leaders at the forefront.
“It’s heartbreaking that he was allegedly targeted and shot after the protest. Those responsible clearly opposed the work we were doing as community leaders.”
Community activist Nxuba Rhashalala said Somgaxa constantly encouraged residents to reclaim their communities from crime.
“He always reminded us that South Africans must stand together and fight for their country. He was deeply concerned about crime and drugs destroying the youth.
“He would wake us up early in the mornings to organise community patrols and encourage residents to take a stand against criminals,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mlamuli Bekwa said Andile’s death had left the family and the wider community devastated.
“The passing of Andile has deeply affected everyone, and the family is still struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“He leaves behind his wife and four children, who will now have to grow up without their father because of the senseless act of the person who shot him,” said Mlamuli.
