Songezo Mjongile Memorial Page

26/12/2021

Rest in Power, Arch... my first march as a UWC first year student in March 1985 was led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr Alan Boesak and other clergy in Cape Town. It was against the Uitenhage massacre which took place on 21 March 1985. The Arch with his witty humour was seen taking a stand wherever there was injustice.

29/11/2021

16/03/2021

- 15-21 March is South African Library week, and the theme is . Im sure many of us who love books and reading have a story about libraries. Mine is growing up in Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape. No library, until primary school when once every two weeks, a mobile library would come to our part of town, Kruisfontein. I cajoled my siblings and cousins to take out library cards, and so the pool of books to share and exchange was larger. Eventually a permanent library at the school, tiny - just about 4-4m building, so you just came there to exchange books. Till then I mostly read in Afrikaans, but the library opened a whole new world to me - fiction, non-fiction - and so it started. Of course libraries today play a host of roles, according to a 2013 report on Costing the South African Public Library and Information Services Bill they are a "valuable social resource, giving job seekers, entrepreneurs, students and learners access to information, the internet and photocopy facilities, in addition to serving the reading needs of the public."
Here's a quote from the book Im currently reading, Wanderers by Chuck Wendig: "Libraries had, for Benji, long been a source of solace. They were routinely calm, if not always quiet, and of course they surrounded him with books. Each book, a treasure chest of knowledge. And the advent of the modern library did not disturb him. The introduction of computers and other 'screens' into libraries only increased that access to information. That was key, he long felt, to an informed society, one that cleaved to both empathy and critical thinking: access to information. Simply being able to know things - true things! - meant the world to him." We should all do more to support libraries and reading.
The Book Stokvel Ethnikids Eyethu Pop-up Library

07/03/2021

International Day 2021

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must all choose to challenge the patriarchal system that not only excludes and undervalues women and girls, but directly contribute and condone the violence against them, writes Febe Potgieter.

25/02/2021

Please join President Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke and President Dr. J.L Dube on this virtual dialogue

19/02/2021

09/02/2021

20/09/2020

Update on Funeral and Memorial arrangements for Cde Songezo Mjongile

20/09/2020

19/09/2020

19/09/2020

18/09/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 SEPTEMBER 2020

ANC SADDENED TO ANNOUNCE THE UNTIMELY PASSING OF SONGEZO “MADIBA” MJONGILE

The African National Congress (ANC) is saddened to announce the untimely passing of Comrade Songezo Mjongile who was affectionately known by his clan name “Madiba”. The movement learnt of his loss with such profound sadness.

Comrade Songezo passed on peacefully in the evening hours on Thursday, the 17th of September 2020, at his family home in Morningside; Johannesburg surrounded by his wife and loved ones.

Comrade Songezo Mjongile from an early age joined the masses of our people in the struggle against the oppressive apartheid regime. He became an activist in the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and was later elected its President.

He continued his life of activism in the ranks of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) rising through the ranks and elected to the National Executive and National Working Committees of the ANCYL.

Comrade Songezo, through his selfless and dedicated activism, went on to be elected as the Provincial Treasurer and later Provincial Secretary of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape.

Around the 29th August 2020, the ANC learnt that Cde Songezo had been diagnosed with Colon Cancer in April 2020 and amongst his last wishes was “to contribute to the renewal of the ANC and the success of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).

This was a reflection of the commitment Comrade Songezo had to the ANC, the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) structures and to the broader society of South Africa.

Hamba Kahle Madiba, Yem-Yem, Sopitjo, Velbembhentsele, Zodwa zintshaba zingasoze zimemenze’nto!

END

ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

Enquiries:
P**e Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975

18/09/2020

Fallen Limb, by Shaun Byneveldt

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.
(Author Unknown)

The clouds of loss and sadness continue to lower upon the ANC house. The burden of sorrow torments yet again - Cde. Songezo Mjongele is no more. Yet another limb has fallen from the ANC family tree. The heart bleeds and the collective soul struggles to find rest during this painful hour of loss and sadness. To the family of Cde. Songezo, please accept my heartfelt condolences. May the love, grace and comforting embrace of the Almighty enfold during this time of grief. God will not forsake you - your spirit will be restored. Together we intercede for the eternal repose of Cde. Songezo’s soul. May the Almighty rest him in peace.

Shakespeare says: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.” Cde. Songezo carried the weight of leadership and influence reverently in both the ANC and beyond. We dip our banner in salute. You were never weak in hope, faith and commitment Cde. Songezo. We will pick up your spear and pursue a better life for all with love, compassion, passionate commitment, diligence and integrity. We shall not waver on promise. Hope and faith are not lost - the ANC shall experience Renewal, Restoration and Revival.

Your legacy will inspire us to walk as true members of the ANC yet again. To our heart we commit to draw you. Your heritage and the ANC’s principles, values, traditions and culture will continue to inspire. For ONE we remain, ONE in ANC soul, ONE in ANC existence and being. Your face will rise in the streams of sparkling political and organisational conversation Cde. Songezo. We will see you in the political flowers that bloom. In the fields of the ripening grains of ANC Renewal, Rebuild & Unity we’ll feel your presence.

Hamba Kahle Cde. Songezo, Hamba Kahle Madiba!

Shaun Byneveldt
18 September 2020