‘His light still burns’ - Brother breaks silence on slain activist Loyiso Nkohla-Mabandla

Loyiso Nkohla-Mabandla.jpg He was gunned down while opening a community meeting in prayer. More than three years later, Loyiso Nkohla-Mabandla’s brother, Prince Sivile Mabandla, speaks of family heartbreak, unanswered pain and a relentless fight for justice.

“To be taken in a hail of bullets before the word ‘Amen’ could even be finished created a wound that time cannot heal.”

These are the words of Prince Sivile Mabandla, whose brother, Loyiso Nkohla-Mabandla, was gunned down while opening a community meeting in prayer at Philippi train station in Cape Town on April 17, 2023.

Loyiso was preparing to address community concerns about housing and basic services when he was killed.

His death left the Nkohla and Mabandla families devastated.

“That day shattered our world and altered our family forever. It turned our private grief into a public duty to defend his legacy and demand truth,” the prince told IOL.

Loyiso was a co-founder of the Ses’khona People’s Rights Movement. He was known for campaigning for the rights of poor and marginalised communities.

But to his family, he was more than a political activist.

Their father called him “Bhovulengwe”, meaning “Beard of a Lion”, because of his courage. He was also known as their “Street Lamp”.

Sivile said his brother was protective, loyal and humorous. He brought joy to the Nkohla and Mabandla households.

His death came just three weeks after the family buried their mother.

“Burying Loyiso only three weeks after burying our mother was a devastating double blow. He was a central pillar of both the Nkohla and Mabandla families,” Sivile said.

The family has since supported one another through their grief. They are also determined to ensure that Loyiso’s children know the man their father was.

Sivile said the family had long worried about Loyiso’s safety.

His brother campaigned for clean water, sanitation and shelter. He also challenged political processes and confronted those he believed were failing poor communities.

When Loyiso left formal party politics, he wanted to focus on social facilitation and helping people in need.

“He was a man who could never be bought, silenced, or intimidated,” Sivile said.

He said Loyiso understood the risks associated with his activism. However, his commitment to human dignity remained central to his work.

The wait for justice has been difficult for the family.

Three accused are facing proceedings in connection with Loyiso’s murder. The case has experienced repeated postponements.

On October 26, the matter was postponed at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court to November 2. This followed the absence of a legal representative for one of the accused.

Each court appearance brings back painful memories for the family.

Sivile said the family was trying to channel its frustration into political action. They continue to trust the Hawks and the justice system to deliver accountability.

The family also wants Loyiso’s legacy to remain alive through the issues he championed.

Sivile said the family would tell Loyiso that his children were surrounded by love and that his loved ones remained united.

They would also tell him that his death had not ended the fight for justice and human dignity.

If they could speak to him again, they would call him by the name their family knew so well.

For Sivile and his family, the commitment to continue Loyiso’s work remains unchanged.

Their message is captured in two words: “Asijiki!” - we will not turn back.