On Saturday, 26 March 2011, Bruce Nkala, one of the One Man Can trainers based in the Cape Town office, passed away suddenly. We will all miss him, and send our thoughts and condolences to his family and loved ones.
Bruce joined Sonke in July 2010 as a trainer on the WC Department of Health funded Prisons’ Project.
Humble and respectful, he was well-liked and held in high esteem by his colleagues. His smile and teasing nature will be remembered by all.
At the memorial service held at the Sonke office on 30 March, his family, friends and colleagues spoke about his deep commitment to community development and the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him.
He was passionate about confronting negative male behaviour and shifting patriarchal mindsets and he embodied these values, helping to care for his elderly mother until her death earlier this year, and challenging his male friends to improve themselves and work to build up the community.
Before joining Sonke, Bruce had volunteered at Catholic Welfare Development (CWD) as a trainer and counsellor for more than ten years and had worked for the City of Cape Town as Capacity Building coordinator. He had a wealth of experience in coordinating community events, and facilitating community trainings for men and women.
Dean Peacock, speaking at the memorial, said, “Sonke promotes healthy living, and encourages men especially to pay more attention to their health, and to seek care early. Bruce’s sudden death is a reminder to us all that we need to take care of ourselves.”
Bruce was an inspiration to many people, and his memory will continue to encourage us to promote change.
