VEREENIGING – Family, friends, and industry colleagues of Actor and media personnel Marietjie Bothma said their final goodbyes today, Sunday, June 4.
Less than a hundred mourners gathered at Vereeniging Civic Hall in an emotional send-off.
Entertainment moguls such as Kwaito legend Eugene Mthethwa, Dr. Chriselda Kenanda, and Sannah Mchunu, amongst many others, attended the rather intimate funeral.
Marietjie who was an iconic South African TV personality, Motivational speaker, radio broadcaster, and MC, died on Monday, May 29, after suffering an illness.
Popularly known as Intombi Yom Zulu, the media practitioner was known for her debut on a King Pie advert as an Afrikaans woman who spoke fluent Zulu.
Following the popular ad which saw Marietjie being popular in many townships and all corners of Mzansi, the 39-year-old starred in numerous hilarious SABC1 Bheka Mina ngedwa ads.
Her shot to fame did not end there, she also appeared on weekly telenovelas such as ETV’s Ukhakhayi.
On her last days, Marietjie left her Thembisa home to the Vaal, where she spent most of her time with a close friend Thabang Mochela when she met her untimely death.
While many described Maritjie as a strong woman, who soldiered on, in her rather tough life, some described her as an ambassador of rainbow nation.
Different speakers took to the podium speaking highly of Marietjie and sending messages of support to the family.
Driving the program during the funeral service, Kenanda described Marietjie as an all-rounder in the media fraternity.
“She was someone you should know or would want to know about. She has left such great memories that will continue to inspire, inform and encourage our way forward to the liberation of Africa. She has raised diversity, lived amongst us, loved and worked diligently, may her soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Popular poet, Tshepo “Son of the Soil” Mgcina shared a moving performance as he recited a poem for Intombi Yom Zulu.
Designer Lazzy Maputsoe said, “She was a person who believed in everyone. Marietjie would empower anyone with whom she sees potential, with any little she has. Her big heart made her invest so much in people she loved”.
Kwaito legend Eugene Mthethwa said Marietjie embodied the rainbow nation.
“I’m sending my condolences to the family, Intombi Yom Zulu ihambile (the Zulu girl is gone). She didn’t give herself that name she was given by the people because of embodying the expression of being African,” he said.
