A life of a selfless fighter for his community – A tribute to Dumisa Ntuli
Dumisa Ntuli was born on July 16, 1967 in Thokoza, Alberton, and has remained a devoted resident of this community.
ALBERTON – Dumisa was married to Lebo and is survived by her and his children, as well as his brother, sister and mother. He went to school in Thokoza, and completed his tertiary education at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Dumisa worked tirelessly throughout his life to improve the lives of others in his community. Ntuli started his working life at the Office of the General Secretary of NUMSA, Enoch Godongwana, and later became the NUMSA National Spokesperson for eight years.
He worked in the Office of the Chief Whip at City of Johannesburg. In the late 2000s he was recruited to work in the Office of the ANC Gauteng Provincial Secretary as the Media Officer. It is the position he held and performed with aplomb until his untimely death on February 8.
His interest in politics was triggered by his association with his late brother Sam Ntuli. Sam was one of the great struggle heroes of our community, but sadly never saw the freedom he fought so hard for. Dumisa followed in his brother’s footsteps and joined the Congress of South African Students (COSAS).
Dumisa Ntuli was an active participant in 1983 when the United Democratic Front (UDF) was also founded, and he played a role in multiple structures, including the East Rand Peoples Organisation (ERAPO). In ERAPO, he mobilised communities against the tri-cameral parliament, Black Local Authorities and the inequalities and inequities that came with them.
In 1984 Dumisa assisted to pioneer the formation of the Thokoza Youth Congress (TYCO). Dumisa Ntuli was passionate about youth and the development of young people throughout his life. During this time Dumisa became part of Umkhonto we Sizwe and the National Students Coordinating Committee (NASCOC). He served on the Executive Committees of the Thokoza Students Congress, East Rand Students Congress and the Transvaal Students Congress.
He was arrested, tortured and held in custody in Benoni during this period. Dumisa was relentless and went on to be part of organising and forming street committees and various other rudimentary organs of people’s power as soon as he was released. In 1986 Dumisa was finally detained without trial for three years in Modderbee prison.
After his release in 1989, Dumisa continued with his unwavering commitment to the liberation of the people of South Africa. After the unbanning of the ANC, he was elected Chairperson of the Thokoza branch and became Chairperson of the ward based branch 51. Dumisa Ntuli became synonymous with the advancement of a life-long campaign to create a better life for all.
Dumisa Ntuli did not spare himself in service of the people of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng and South Africa and departs this side of eternity decorated with stars and scars of a glorious fight against injustice and inequality to be embraced by our leaders beyond. May the soul of Dumisa Ntuli rest in peace. Hamba kahle!
By Sochayile Khanyile and Neil Diamond
