A group of ANC members and friends and family of murdered anti-apartheid student activist Caiphus Nyoka held a wreath-laying ceremony at Gumbi Cemetery in Daveyton on August 24.
The well-attended ceremony began at Caiphus’s home in the morning where members of the ANC, its alliance structures and members of faith-based organisations gathered to remember the life of the late struggle icon.
Guests included Ekurhuleni MMC for Finance Jongizizwe Dlabathi and Ward 71 Clr Thembinkosi Lubisi.
Caiphus’s sister, Motty, and his friend, Vuyani Crosby Marasela, were among the speakers who celebrated his courage and leadership.
This year marks the 17th anniversary of Caiphus’s death, following his assassination in his bedroom in Daveyton, on August 24, 1987, by members of a police unit that was allegedly established to “deal” with terrorism.
He was reportedly shot 12 times after frequent police raids on his family home.
Caiphus was a prominent leader of the Congress of South African Students in Daveyton and the co-ordinator for Transco East Rand.
According to the organiser of the Caiphus Nyoka memorial lecture, Percyval Leberegane the commemoration was held for the first time since his assassination.
He said plans are in place to commemorate his life annually along with other comrades who died for freedom.
Four former Apartheid-era security police officers will stand trial for the murder at a High Court sitting in Benoni from November 18 to December 6.
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