Family buries Thobile Tshabalala after US death

After her family waited weeks for the repatriation of her body from the US to SA, they buried Thobile Mnisi Tshabalala on July 12 after her passing on June 8.

Her burial service was held at her home in Zondi, Soweto, and she was laid to rest at the Hamburg Cemetery, Roodepoort.

Allegedly, Tshabalala passed away due to her deteriorating mental health. She had reached out to a friend abroad, who promised to help her with money to fly back to SA. However, she collapsed at their meeting point in the airport. She was 27 at the time.

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“We feel relieved as a family that Thobile’s body finally arrived back home, and we got closure after a long five-week wait and struggle to bring her body back,” said Kholekile Mnisi, Tshabalala’s uncle.

“Struggling to get her body on time was the most terrifying and difficult situation we faced because, at some point, we lost hope, not knowing if things would go the right way.”

“I didn’t expect that I would bury my friend so soon,” said Lerato Phatswane, one of Tshabalala’s friends.

“After hearing about her passing, I didn’t believe it until I confirmed, and I was heartbroken. Her passing came as a shock, but regardless, may her soul rest in eternal peace.”

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Dr Trevor Zwane, Tshabalala’s former high school teacher, described her as a bubbly person.

“I’ve known Thobile since 2014 at Bhukulani Secondary,” he said.

“She was always eager to learn and participate in class. Her bubbly personality and smile made her a joy to be around.

“I never thought the day would come when I would be sending condolences to her family. I’m grateful for the time I had to know and teach her.”

Mnisi thanked the community, extended family and the people of SA for helping them reach this point.