Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Mourns the Passing of Global Young Advocate Mnqobi Mayenziwe Zungu
Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President & CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
February 12, 2026
Washington, D.C. – The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids mourns the passing of Mnqobi “Q” Mayenziwe Zungu, a passionate young advocate from South Africa and an inspiring youth leader in the global fight against tobacco use.
Mnqobi was among the first group of young people to participate in the Global Young Ambassadors for Tobacco Control program, an initiative of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids designed to amplify the voices of young people around the world and ensure long-term sustainability in the global tobacco control movement. In South Africa, he served as social media manager for the South African Tobacco-Free Youth Forum and was an active member of the African Young Ambassadors community.
Mnqobi’s vision, determination and big dreams set him apart. His energy, creativity and commitment to empowering young people left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege to work alongside him. His loss is felt deeply in South Africa and throughout the global tobacco control community - the work of this community and of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids will continue in his honor.