R2K Whistleblowers 2015: Buyisile Mkavu

Buyisile Mkavu

Nelson Mandela Bay councillor, shot and killed in August 2014. His family believes his murder was linked to his stance against corruption.

Buyisile Mkavu served as an ANC councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay, and sat on the Human Settlements Portfolio. He had a reputation as a public servant with integrity, who was tough on corruption.

This is why, when he was gunned down on 2 August 2014, his family believed it was due to his stance against corruption. In particular they suspect it was due to his opposition to a housing development in KwaLanga in Uitengage, which he suspected of tender irregularities.

His murder came just six months after his house was reportedly burned down by Uitenhage protesters.

In the days after his death, he was described as steadfast in his fight against corruption. He leaves his wife and son, as well as his mother, siblings, nephews and nieces.

He was politically active at high school, serving as the Branch Chairperson of the ANC Youth League in the Solomon Mahlangu Branch in Ward 50.

Uitenhage police spokespeople confirmed that one Bongani Cakwe was arrested and charged with Mkavu’s murder, and his case will be heard in February 2015. So far police say no motive has been established.

Mkavu was featured in R2K’s 2015 Whistleblower Calendar, with the blessing of the Mkavu family. Find out more at r2k.org.za/whistleblower-calendar-2015