Sadly, the Youth Speak event that IFAA co-hosted with the Peace Centre became the last event to be organized by the founding director of the latter organization, Rommel Roberts, who tragically passed away in a motor accident the day before the event.
Rommel Roberts (1949–2024) was a South African human rights activist renowned for his non-violent opposition to apartheid and his work in community development. Born in Durban and raised in Mahikeng, Roberts was deeply influenced by the racial discrimination faced by his family, especially his mother, who was classified as non-white. He studied theology and philosophy and later became involved in various human rights groups, organizing non-violent actions against apartheid. Roberts worked closely with Bishop Desmond Tutu, serving as his national development officer and collaborating on campaigns against government oppression, such as the evacuation of 10,000 people from the Modderdam township before its demolition in 1977.
A staunch advocate of non-violence, Roberts disagreed with the militant approaches of groups like the ANC and PAC, and instead organized peace conferences during the 1980s to address rising violence. In 1985, he helped establish the Quaker Peace Centre in Cape Town, focusing on reconciliation and peace efforts. Roberts also engaged in exposing corruption in leadership, particularly in relation to arms deals.
Throughout his life, Roberts remained committed to improving the living conditions of marginalized communities, especially in rural areas. He served as the director of the Hilltop Empowerment Centre and was involved in various educational and community development projects. Rommel Roberts passed away in 2024 in a motor vehicle accident in Cape Town.