A Life That United Communities: Remembering Julius Chukwunta

In the gentle morning light of February 18, 2025, we gather to bid farewell to Julius Friday Chukwunta, a beloved son of Nigeria whose life, though cut tragically short at 37, sparked a movement that united communities and called for change. As the sun rises over the OR Tambo International Airport, where we will gather in convoy, we remember not just the circumstances of his passing but the profound impact of his life.

Julius was more than just another statistic in the complex tapestry of South African society. He was a man of dignity and purpose, whose presence in Midrand’s Protea Estate spoke of ambition and the pursuit of better opportunities. Those who knew him speak of his warm smile, his readiness to help others, and his unwavering spirit in the face of challenges.

Chukwunta Julius Friday

That fateful December evening, when Julius was driving home to Protea Estate, held no warning of the tragedy that would unfold. The attack that took place wasn’t just an assault on one man; it was an attack on the values of unity, peace, and human dignity that both South Africa and Nigeria hold dear. Even in those final days at Tembisa Hospital, as he fought for his life, Julius’s situation brought together people from all walks of life, transcending national boundaries and cultural differences.

The response to Julius’s passing has been nothing short of remarkable. The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) have stood united, their voices echoing in courtrooms and community halls, demanding justice and change. Barrister Smart Nwobi, NUSA’s president-general, captured the sentiment perfectly when he declared, “We will not rest until justice is served and the value of Nigerian lives is upheld in South Africa.”

But beyond the legal proceedings and diplomatic exchanges, Julius’s story has become a catalyst for deeper conversations about community, safety, and the bonds that unite us. In the weeks following his passing, both South African and Nigerian communities have come together in unprecedented ways, sharing in grief but also in hope for a better tomorrow.

Today, as we prepare to say our final goodbyes, we remember Julius Friday Chukwunta not as a victim but as a catalyst for change. His legacy lives on in the strengthened bonds between communities, in the renewed calls for justice and protection of all lives, and in the hearts of those who knew him.

The convoy that will gather at the funeral home at 7 AM carries more than just mourners; it carries the weight of our collective responsibility to ensure that Julius’s passing serves as a turning point. As we make our way to OR Tambo International Airport, each mile travelled will be a testament to our commitment to honour his memory through action and change.

To Julius’s family in Aninri LGA, Enugu State, we say: your son’s life mattered. To the Nigerian community in South Africa: your unity in this time of grief has shown the power of collective voice. To all who gather today: let us carry forward the torch of justice, understanding, and community that Julius’s life has lit.

Rest in power, Julius Friday Chukwunta. Your story will continue to inspire change, foster unity, and remind us all of the precious value of every human life. Though you leave us physically, your spirit lives on in the movement for justice and understanding that your passing has inspired.

May your soul find eternal peace, and may your legacy continue to light the way toward a more united and just society.

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Olunloyo Akindele Olufemi

Geopolitical Blogger

I love Lagos and Johannesburg. Lagostojozi Blog promotes cooperation and unity between these African megacities, fostering healthy relations and social cohesion.