OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Kenneth Grootboom (76), a former member of the Bongolethu Civic Organisation, died on 14 July in Oudtshoorn after a short sick bed.

Grootbooms' funeral will be at his home in Bongolethu on 27 July.

According to Makhaya Manie, Grootbooms' nephew, his uncle was a former political activist who led the resistance against apartheid in the rural communities of Oudtshoorn.

"I also worked with him in community organisations in Bongolethu. He was a member of the Bongolethu Civic Organisation which gave guidance to our youth organisation. I also later spent time with him, when we were arrested for several activities of community organisations in Oudtshoorn around 1987 / 1988. After his death I realised that many of our struggle's forebearers were now departing this world."

Manie said in any community, some influential people lead and advance the aspirations of their communities.

"Inevitably, these torchbearers must depart from life. Death marks the closure of a chapter for each generation and signifies the end of an era, allowing for the continuous evolution of human society, with each generation learning from its predecessors. Bhut Kenny, as Kenneth Grootboom was affectionately called in Bongolethu, was a community leader who conveyed the message of a township yearning for recognition."

Manie said he came to know Bhut Kenny and his family through their church, the Bongolethu Congregational Church.

"His family came from Klipplaat in the Eastern Cape, while my late grandparents were from nearby Steytlerville. Kenny worked at the Oudtshoorn Ostrich feather products section, where he became a worker's leader. As a Generation X member, I watched Kenny and other youth activists skillfully lead initiatives to improve the Bongolethu community's quality of life. He was in the company of youth activists like the late Spi Grootboom, Rufus Mbuku, Moses Mvimbi, Gustav Tembalake Joe, Moses Poposhe Mooi, Corra Dikgacwi, Joe Hlazo, Thami Jack, Vuyisile Marenene, and Goduka 'Ta Mthombe' Mthonjeni. We also commend those still alive, such as Rev Zolie Jingqi, Mzukisi Skosana, and Carel 'Ta Nka' Mokgalakgadi. These leaders took up the struggle for Oudtshoorn when it was dangerous, facing arrests, disappearances and death. They resiliently fought the struggle and brought attention to the small community of Bongolethu."

Manie said that he remembers the four days they spent together in an Oudtshoorn prison cell, charged with a political crime linked to the funeral of Nkosinathi Hlazo.

"At the prison cell, we were joined by other civic leaders, and it became clear that the security police were clamping down on those involved in organising the funeral. We later went to trial and only two of the nine accused were convicted. Bhut Kenny's passing serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the common destiny that binds us all. The wisdom and experiences of those who have passed provide invaluable lessons for the living.

He further said that Grootboom's legacy, along with those of his contemporaries, will continue to inspire and guide future generations in their pursuit of justice, equality, and human dignity.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’