The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has learned of the sudden passing of comrade Mboneni Zakhele Yende who passed away in hospital on Wednesday night, after succumbing to a short illness. We are shocked and saddened at his passing, particularly as we are still fighting for justice for Thembisile Lucia Yende. We send our deepest condolences to his family and his friends during this difficult time.

Comrade Mboneni was one of the founders and the former chairperson of the Thembisile Yende Foundation which was established after the brutal murder of his sister and our comrade, Thembisile Yende. Comrade Thembisile was murdered in May 2017 and her body was found locked in the offices of Eskom in Springs. The Foundation has played an important role in highlighting gender based violence. After his resignation he went on to form the One Strong Voice Foundation which touched the hearts of many people and brought hope to those who were in despair. Comrade Mboneni served the community diligently, faithfully and passionately. He was an active contributor to the NUMSA Gender programs, and participated in the most recent Gender Workshop which we held in November.

He sacrificed his livelihood, his income, and he risked his life trying to ensure justice for the murder of Thembisile. He not only fought for justice for his sister, but his work also amplified the voices of others who were victims of this terrible scourge in our society. Unfortunately, he never lived to see his sister’s killer punished for her murder. We still do not know who killed Comrade Thembisile. Last year, the state withdrew the murder charges against the only suspect who was arrested for her murder, and no one else has been arrested since. But the work he did in such a short space of time is a living monument and we will continue the good work in his memory.

Lala ngoxolo Comrade. You deserve to rest after a job well done.

Aluta continua!

The struggle continues!

 

Issued by NUMSA