Remembering Boyce Williams

Bonakele "Boyce" Gladman Williams, a tireless advocate for social justice and land reform in South Africa, passed away on August 24, 2026at the age of 70 following a long period of illness.

Born in Umtata in 1953 to S'dumo Albert Williams, a Dutch Reformed Church minister, and Nowisile Paulina Williams, Boyce grew up moving between Eastern Cape towns as his father was assigned to different congregations. His early experiences exposed him to the harsh realities of apartheid and planted the seeds for his future activism.

In 1986, Boyce joined the West Coast Council of Churches as Justice and Reconciliation Coordinator. In this role, he set up Justice and Reconciliation groups throughout the West Coast region, assisted member churches in addressing issues of justice, and supported families facing human rights abuses. His work with the Council was pivotal in mobilizing faith communities against apartheid.

During the 1980s, Boyce also became active in the United Democratic Front, playing a key role in anti-apartheid organizing in the Western Cape. His activism led to his detention without trial for six months in 1989. Upon his release, he traveled to the Netherlands to share information about the situation in South Africa, before returning to assist with Namibia's first democratic elections in 1990.

Post-1994, Boyce dedicated himself to land reform and rural development. He was a panelist on the Western Cape's Dispute Resolution Unit. He worked for over a decade with the Surplus People Project, facilitating the return of dispossessed communities to their land and helping landless farmers gain access to property and resources. He was known for his skill in navigating complex community dynamics and mediating conflicts.

In his later career with Phuhlisani, Boyce worked as a facilitator on a wide range of development and land reform projects across South Africa. He was a respected trainer in conflict resolution and civic education for farm workers. Boyce was forced to retire after suffering a stroke in October 2013. He fought a brave battle with ill health over more than a decade.

Colleagues remember Boyce for his humility, his infectious laugh, and his unwavering commitment to social justice. He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family. His life's work has left an indelible mark on countless individuals and communities across South Africa.