In a show of solidarity Toekomsrus residents drove in a convoy to attend the funeral of Nathaniel Julius in Eldorado Park on Saturday 5 September.

Enrique Bhana, community leader and one of the coordinators of the gesture, who is also the manager of the organisation Women Against Women and Child Abuse (WAWA), said this was one of the ways in which the Toekies community wished to show solidarity with the family of Nathaniel’s family and the community of Eldorado Park.

Police allegedly shot Nathaniel on Tuesday, 27 August during protest action in Eldorado Park. According to news reports he died on Wednesday 28 August.

This is not only to express out heartfelt sympathies, but also to demonstrate to the country and the rest of the world that we condemn what happened to this young man,” Bhana said.

He thanked those who took park in the convoy and showed solidarity by attending the funeral.

“Thank you Toekomsrus for your amazing spirit, thank you for the leadership, the partnerships, the unity, the drive and energy you’ve shown.

“Thank you to those who went to Eldorado Park to support and to represent Toekomsrus. We also thank those who stayed behind and rallied our troops back home,” Bhana said.

In his message, Bhana also thanked Randfontein Senior Secondary; Hartzstraat Primary School; Toekomsrus Primary School; WAWA; Rand West City Local Municipality’s MMC for Public Safety, Heather Butler; Member of Parliament Jane Manamiso; Emmanuel New Life Centre; Myburgh Foundation; Angelo Vaaltyn; Leonardo Marais; Lee-Roy Cook; Christo Claasen; Lorna Steyn; Jacelyn Scott; Michelle Hogins; Ruth Philemon; Murshirley Philemon; Leandray and Rhoda Philemon; and Owen Green. “Thank you very much for your time to make sure that Nathaniel rests in peace, and that his death will not be in vain,” Bhana concluded.