6 Tributes That Keep Ashley Kriel’s Memory Alive

The name Ashley Kriel is forever tied to the fight for justice. As a teenager, he stood in the frontlines of resistance in Bonteheuwel, urging others to rise and reject the apartheid system. He quickly became a leader, organising protests and school boycotts. The youth in his community looked to him for direction, and he answered with actions that pushed against the government’s control.

 

The suburb of Bonteheuwel wasn’t a quiet place in the 80s. It was a community under siege, but also one full of fire. Ashley, even as a teenager, led with an intensity that was rare, pushing the limits of what youth could accomplish. He left South Africa to train with the ANC’s armed wing and returned with the same passion, ready to fight for a different world. His life ended tragically at just 20 when apartheid police murdered him in Athlone. But his death didn’t silence him—it amplified his legacy.

 

Ashley’s story lives on. He’s remembered in many ways, ensuring that the impact of his fight for freedom and justice never fades.

 

Ashley Kriel Memorial Youth Lecture 

 

For 15 years, the Ashley Kriel Memorial Youth Lecture focused on young voices and their place in shaping society. Organised by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation and the University of the Western Cape, the lecture became an annual fixture that tackled tough topics like leadership and identity. Themes such as “My Voice, Our Story” and “Dying to Be Men” gave these conversations focus, while events held at spaces like Bonteheuwel High School—Ashley’s old school—connected the past to the present

 

The Ashley Kriel Youth Leadership Development Project

 

Then there’s the Ashley Kriel Youth Leadership Development Project, which began with the creation of the Ashley Kriel Skills Development Centre. This initiative answers a real need: young people wanting better opportunities. Through hands-on training and skill-building, the centre helps them carve out pathways for real jobs and stability.

 

The Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher

 

The Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher brought together a mix of people—activists, artists, community leaders, and those passionate about changing the world. It was a space to honour Ashley’s commitment to his community, and was also a place where young voices got a chance to be heard. With performances and thought-provoking discussions, the Cypher got to the heart of what it means to be engaged in the world, just like Ashley was.

 

Action Kommandant: The Untold Story Of The Revolutionary Freedom Fighter Ashley Kriel Documentary

 

A more recent addition to the body of work dedicated to remembering Ashley Kriel is the documentary Action Kommandant, directed by Nadine Cloete. This film takes an intimate, raw look at Ashley’s life, death, and the profound impact he had on those who knew him. Cloete, who became captivated by footage of Kriel speaking to crowds in Bonteheuwel, knew that his story needed to be told. The documentary gives us a closer look at Kriel’s journey and allows us to reflect on the values he stood for. It premiered internationally at the Seattle International Film Festival and is available to watch on Showmax.

 

Joe Modise Commanding and Leadership Excellence Award and the Stanza Bopape Young Martyr Memorial Award 

 

In 2024, Kriel was posthumously awarded two prestigious honours: the Joe Modise Commanding and Leadership Excellence Award and the Stanza Bopape Young Martyr Memorial Award. These awards were given to recognise his leadership, courage, and ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of a better South Africa.

 

Ashley Kriel Hall at the Community House

 

The Community House in Salt River, Cape Town, is a hub for activism, and within it lies the Ashley Kriel Hall—a place that holds not only a community’s history but also a tribute to Ashley’s contribution to the fight for justice. Inside the hall, a striking steel portrait of Ashley, created by artist Donovan Ward, hangs on the wall.

 

Ashley Kriel’s life may have been short, but it was powerful—and his memory pushes us all to carry on the work he started. Through these ongoing projects, the youth of today are reminded that their actions matter, and that they too can make an impact, just as Kriel did.

About The Author