Caiphus Nyoka was a student leader in Daveyton, Benoni. He was a member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO), organiser of the Transvaal Students Congress (TRASCO) in the East Rand, and President of the Student Representative Council at Mabuya High School in Daveyton, Benoni. Known for his courage and organising skills, Nyoka played a critical role in mobilising young people in the struggle for the liberation of South Africa’s majority population from the oppression of the apartheid government.
He is described by his family members as follows:
Sarah Suto: “The enduring memory and story of my brother’s life will always be his bravery and selflessness. Not his bravery alone, but also that of his comrades, relatives and parents. What comes to mind is an incident – in circa 1984/1985 – when Daveyton was under siege from the apartheid security establishment. The security forces had targeted activists, including Caiphus, for harassment and detention. My parents were worried for Caiphus’ safety and life, when he didn’t show up at our house that day. A friend advised that he had sought refuge at a relative’s house in the neighborhood. At the crack of dawn, my mom and I knocked at the relative’s house where Caiphus had sought refuge. We counselled Caiphus to leave Daveyton. He was indignant and refused to oblige arguing that he’d not be intimidated by the apartheid regime, until our relative – who provided shelter – intervened and persuaded him to heed mom’s counsel. I walked with him, without mom, to Daveyton Station where we boarded a train en route to Soweto where he’d lie low, at our uncle’s home, for a few weeks.”
Margaret Nyoka: “He was funny, and he couldn’t bear to see anyone suffer—he stood up against injustice and always had our backs. He had a heart of gold, loved people deeply, and made sure we felt included by taking us places rather than leaving us out because we were too young.”
Melita Nyoka: “He loved dressing up in this matching checkered outfit. He loved going out with friends and had such a flair for fashion. He was never aggressive or violent—just this warm, sociable soul who made sure if he ate, everyone around him ate too.”
Titos Nyoka: “Sport was his thing—he loved soccer and running. Denim jeans were his go-to outfit, and he also loved wearing this cap from the popular HR brand from ’84. He used to love playing with his nieces [Margaret and Melita] in ’82 and ’83.”
Jobby Kalipa: “He was a teacher at heart—he bought himself a mountain bike and roller skates, not just for fun, but to teach us all. He brought fun activities into our community that were usually reserved for white people back then, just so we could know that we belonged too and could imagine life outside our prescribed norm.”
Motty Nyoka: “He was full of life— he loved cycling, performing, chanting and singing, and he was always dressed sharp. He was usually surrounded by people from every background. He was courageous and pulled crowds not just with his voice, but with his sincere love and charisma. Even as a teenager, he was aware of socio-economic injustices and believed we could change them. He was an idealist—and everyone loved him for it.”
