Afika Yose’s journey from the streets of Lingelihle in Cradock to community leader is a story of resilience, creativity and commitment to change. By day, Afika, 30, works as an infra-worker for Transnet Freight Rail, main- taining the railway lines. But it is after hours that his true passion comes to life — uplifting the community through art, culture and youth empowerment. As the founder of the Black Panther Centre, he uses creativity to address the social problems in Lingelihle. The centre provides young people with alternatives to substance abuse, offering spaces for cultural expression, sports, education and community support. His flagship project, The Campfire Series, held every September during Heritage Month, celebrates local culture and heritage through music, art and storytelling. The event fosters unity and showcasing community talent. Beyond cultural events, the Black Panther Centre collaborates with the health department to raise awareness of health issues. Afika leads initiatives like door-to-door donation drives, supporting underprivileged families. Afika’s mantra is simple: “In life, we don’t always get what we want, but that doesn’t mean we should give up.”
Attended high school at Matthew Goniwe Comprehensive School but did not pass matric
As a young leader, community organiser and passionate artist, the primary focus remains on arts and culture. Founded the Campfire Series, an annual event designed to celebrate and revive cultural heritage. The event continues to grow each year, creating space for communities to reconnect with their identity and traditions, particularly during Heritage Month in September. Also founded the Black Panther Centre, a community-driven organisation empowering young people and promoting positive change. The Black Panther Centre contributes to the community by empowering youth, fostering social unity through cultural events and workshops, and supporting vulnerable families through door-to-door campaigns and donation drives. Through collaboration with the Department of Health, the centre develops targeted interventions promoting healthy lifestyles and leverages expert resources to maximise community impact.
Honestly, I do not have a role model, but movies such as Silverton Siege and Drumline inspire me. Looking at bhuti Xolile Madinda is an example of the kind of person I look up to.