Ryan Swano
Celebrating the life of Ashley Kriel and the unlocked potential of millions of young adults in underdeveloped working-class communities plagued by poverty and violence within places like Bonteheuwel, where Ashle Kriel was from, The 3rd annual Ashley Kriel Memorial Lecture & Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher taking place at the Castle of Good Hope on Friday 11 July 2025 is a Free Event that You Cannot Afford to Miss.
With a Film Screening, a Panel Discussion with a Q&A Session and Awesome Live Performances, Adwa Movement, Aboxan Arts and Africa Unite (NGO) with Bruinou.com as the Official Media Partner proudly presents the 3rd Annual Ashley Kriel Memorial Lecture & the Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher 2025 under the ongoing theme Roots, Culture, Heritage and Decolonisation.
On 9 July 1987, at the age of 20, working-class revolutionary militant and community leader, Ashley Kriel, was assassinated by apartheid security forces. In remembrance of his convictions of leadership and the contribution that youth across South Africa played in the struggle against apartheid, the co-constructors will host the 3rd annual memorial lecture. This year, the cypher is hosted in venue partnership with the Castle of Good Hope.
Conscientisation of Grassroots Communities
The sceeening of ACTION KOMMANDANT via ShowMAX will be done Watch Party style. “The Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher is an autonomous annual initiative that recognises that young progressives today, as in the past, have a critical role to play in the conscientisation of grassroots communities.” – Ras Hein, Adwa movement
The collective that is co-constructing affirms the importance of social and political consciousness as a means to enlighten grassroots communities, as in the struggle against apartheid, have a key role to play in building a more inclusive future.
Positive Masculinity vs Structural Violence
The 3rd annual Ashley Kriel Memorial Lecture memorialises the spirit and martyrdom of Ashley Kriel.
A young adult from Bonteheuwel – a meritorious example of young warriorhood – who fought for the liberation of all South Africans. This years’ cypher under the theme Roots, Culture, Heritage and Decolonisation aims to explore how and leadership advances social justice.
This year the Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher taking place at the Castle of Good Hope on 11 July starting at 5:30pm, celebrates the radical examples of masculinities in working-class communities – particularly in South Africa – clarify the forces that shape these, and explore the trauma and healing.
The cypher will also reflect on the context that gave rise to the young lions of the 70s and 80s and the structural violence experienced by young men and women today. For too many communities, inequality and unemployment is pervasive and severely limits the upward social mobility of particularly the most vulnerable in society.
Prepare to Be Mesmerised, Educated & Thoroughly Entertained
At 6pm there will be a screening of the film about the fallen hero Ashley Kriel, ACTION KOMMANDANT directed by Nadine Angel Cloete.
The sceeening via ShowMAX will be done Watch Party style.
There will be a Roundtable Discussion & Q&A following the screening, comprised of the following panel members:
● Special guest: Michel Assure (Ashley’s sister)
● Keynote speaker: Ms. Shirley Gunn (TBC)
● Panelists: Mr. Clarence Ford, Mr. Gatto aka Mario Wanza, Ms Henrieta Abrahams, Mr Gorie November.
Of course as with other Roots, Culture, Heritage and Decolonisation events audience members will also have opportunities to directly interact with the panelists and with each other.
During the proceedings Indigenous Culture Activists Bradley van Sitters aka Bradlox will be blessing the event with a Solemn Khoikhoi Lamentation to honour the life of Ashley Kriel.
The Panel Discussion will be followed by Live Performances from a range of artists including Hip Hop as well as other genres.
We are definitely looking forward to seeing the Rap Duo of SIEP & JP The Phenom aka Jay P Jean-Pierre that make up Kape Kullid Khoi as well as guitarist and singer Yendor Adonis.
Other artists who are confirmed to be adding their lustre to the lineup are School of Thought, Raheem Beatbox, Umhambi Wendlela, Garth Erasmus, Beezy Elo, Carlo, Teekae, Mandy Magaba, Slim Dinges, LayloCPT, Tylor Afrika and Qamagu.
We promise you that it is very rare that you can get to see this calibre of artists perform live at an event that is absolutely free.
Don’t Miss It!
If our past particpation in Adwa Movement events along the theme of Roots, Culture, Heritage and Decolonisation are anything to go by, overall, attendees of The 3rd Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher 2025 at the Castle of Good Hope are in for a treat.
Be prepared to be Mesmerised, to be Educated, to Feel Involved as an Interactive Participant and to be Thoroughly Entertained.
We Hope to See You There!
WATCH ACTION KOMMANDANT on ShowMAX
WATCH Action Kommandant Trailer
ALSO READ Keeping The Memory of Ashley Kriel Alive: Exposing The Cover-Up
Venue: Castle of Good Hope
Date: Friday, 11 July 2025
Time: 17h30 – 23h00
FREE ENTRY – ALL WELCOME
