In April 2018, we lost an icon of the South African television and entertainment industry.
While on his way to bury his grandmother in the small, dusty town of Engcobo in the rural Eastern Cape, he tragically lost his life on the roads of South Africa. He and his friends were struck by a trailer carrying a light motor vehicle, a consequence of motorist negligence that cost a life. To those who knew him, it meant the loss of a beloved son, a caring brother, and a dear friend.
However, we all carry the lasting impression he left on us. His boundless positive energy and expressions of love and passion resonated with everyone who met him. In recognition of his dedication as a servant to his nation and a builder of its future, his family established the Akhumzi Jezile Foundation in his honor.
The foundation aims to assist the nation in the fight for safer roads through various outreach initiatives. It emphasizes the human aspect of road safety, highlighting our collective responsibility for ourselves and one another.
Accidents can and do occur, and the responsibility for creating safe roads is shared among the government, businesses, community groups, and each of us. Safety begins with you. Acting unsafely can impact not only yourself but also your family, friends, and colleagues.
Akhumzi had a profound passion for youth, which is why we have chosen to make this our primary focus. By influencing young road users, we can help ensure they make smarter choices as they grow.
