By: Tshepo W Mabuya

In 1966 at his address titled Day of Affirmation, at the Invitation of the of the National Union of South African Students, Rober Kennedy- American Politician and Brother of John F Kennedy, 35th President of the United States of America- had the following to say on the role, qualities and spirit of youth and the importance of youth power in fighting inequality:

“Our answer is the world’s hope; it is to rely on youth. The cruelties and the obstacles of this swiftly changing planet will not yield to obsolete dogmas and outworn slogans. It cannot be moved by those who cling to a present which is already dying, who prefer the illusion of security to the excitement and danger which comes with even the most peaceful progress. This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease…”

Bonginkosi Jombile, one of the finest social innovators, and warriors of the Activate Change Drivers Network emulated the power of greatness and optimism. Not only was he part of the youth population by virtue of age.

Bonginkosi embodied the true qualities of a young person that Africa and the world need, as young people embody and carry the hopes of the world. He embodied the optimism and greatness that the African continent has in its midst. He had an appetite for adventure and love for life and the world.

His passing comes only less than 5 months since the hosting of the second Activate Social Innovation Summit held at Green Point Stadium which I had the honour to be one of the pitchers alongside him.

His passing is a huge blow to the Social Innovation Community which took it upon themselves to ensure the realization of the 2030 SDG’s through Acts of Kindness, social innovation and through the power of shared collaborations through platforms such as the Activate Network.

Even though he has become silent and this time for eternity, may his passion, and values continue to linger within the social innovation and social entrepreneurship community, may we continue to soldier on and ensure that we build sustainable projects, businesses and initiatives that will bring ripples and waves of systematic change.

Bonginkosi has not died, he has only changed his form of existence and this shall be emulated and displayed through the Activate Network which needs to strengthen and renew its commitment to driving change through the 5 Pillars identified by Activate Provoke division through the support of the network.

May he rest in Power and to the family my sincerest condolences and I thank God for his life as his name states that “Bonginkosi”, thank God for the life of Bonginkosi,

Thank You God for giving the Activate Network a powerful change driver in Bonginkosi. Thank you to the Jombile family for lending us your son. I shall forever remain faithful for having crossed paths with this giant.

Rest in Power Noble Son of the Soil. When history passes judgment on you, it will not only remark that you were a young man, but that you were bigger than life and embodied the appetite for adventure and quality of imagination.

Camagu