Bonginkosi Gift Khanyile is a student leader, activist, and one of the prominent leaders of the massive #FeesMustFall protests in South Africa which led to the introduction of free tertiary education for the poor mainly black students in South Africa.
| Bonginkosi Gift Khanyile | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bonginkosi Khanyile December 29, 1989 (age 31) Umlazi, South Africa |
| 🏳️ Nationality | South African |
| 🏳️ Citizenship | South African |
| 🏫 Education | Durban University of Technology |
| 🎓 Alma mater | University of KwaZulu Natal |
| 💼 Occupation | Student Activist |
| 📆 Years active | 12 |
| #FeesMustFall | |
| Criminal charge | Malicious Damage to Property, Public Violence |
Khanyile arrested
In September 2017, Khanyile was arrested on charges linked to an outstanding warrant for missing a court date 10 days before his arrest.
He was arrested for his involvement in the #Feesmustfall protest at the Durban University of Technology. He was charged on eight counts, which included public violence and inciting violence. In what has now become #Feesmustfall lore, Khanyile would be denied bail, in part, it was argued, because of a fear of the influence he exerted over fellow students. After 150 days in jail and having petitioned the Constitutional Court, the activist was eventually released on R250 bail in March 2017.
In his aunt’s home on Mphathi Luthuli Street the TV is frozen on a scene from ehostela, a story about hitmen in another Kwazulu-natal township, Kwamashu. Outside, the streets are deserted, as time for many residents here is strictly divided between school or work. Khanyile seldom leaves his plot.
In 2016, Khanyile would once again find himself in the back of a police van.
In 2014, Bonginkosi Khanyile, SA Students Congress (Sasco)’s regional secretary, he united students across political platforms to “fight for all students”. They called for the a halt to teaching, until student funding woes were resolved.
Khanyile Twitter handle
@Khanyile _BG
Graduation & Qualification
Bonginkosi Khanyile, who graduated cum laude with a National Diploma in Public Management and Economicst, Bonginkosi Khanyile, who graduated cum laude with a National Diploma in Public Management and Economics
In May 2018, he graduated a day after being suspended for a month by the university for his involvement in the #FeesMustFall movement.
Guilty of public violence
In August 2018, Khanyile was convicted on charges of public violence, failing to comply with a police instruction and possession of a dangerous weapon.
Sentenced to house arrest
In January 2019, Khanyile was sentenced to three years under house arrest and a R5,000 fine. He must also undergo community service every month and refrain from taking intoxicating substances.
The court heard that Khanyile had been accepted to study towards a master’s degree in public management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
2021 Arrest over Incitement
The 31 year old Fees Must Fall activist Bonginkosi Khanyile, was arrested in Johannesburg for allegedly inciting the recent unrest and looting that happened in Johannesburg and transported to KwaZulu-Natal, where he is expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s court on Monday.