Statement by Yongama Zigebe, Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has had the most tragic first-hand experience of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as an intern, Ms Trasifina Siphesihle Thambo (20), who worked at our National Office in Pretoria, was murdered by her boyfriend on Monday, 6 May 2024.
According to her family, he later committed suicide himself. While the exact reason for killing her remains unclear, it appears to have stemmed from his desire to control her movements and reluctance to let her leave after visiting home for the weekend. Her sister suggests that he killed her after she asserted her need to return to Pretoria for work. It seems that she stood up to him and his controlling behaviour because she was beginning to see another way of living after starting her term of work at the UDM.
Her immediate supervisor, UDM Chief Administrator, Ms Inga Ndibongo de Villiers, along with her colleagues at the National Office, had the opportunity this week to meet with Trasifina’s loved ones and expressed their condolences for their loss.
As expected, Trasifina’s family is deeply distraught. They conveyed their gratitude to UDM for providing Trasifina with the opportunity to gain work experience. They shared that she often spoke about her experiences with them, including her time canvassing and distributing flyers at Steve Biko Hospital. They also expressed a desire to see her office, as she was evidently very proud to have one.
The entire ordeal has left us deeply shaken, but our deepest sorrow lies in the unnecessary and violent loss of this young woman’s life. This tragic incident serves as yet another stark reminder of GBVF in our country, where women continue to be held hostage by this pervasive and devastating phenomenon.
Trasifina will be remembered as a sweet, gentle and intelligent soul who was dedicated to her work and who was excited at the prospect to learn from her work experience. She was a precious young woman and will be dearly missed.
To those who cherished Trasifina the most during her brief time on this earth, we extend our sincerest condolences. Our hearts are with you, and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate through this period of mourning and profound loss in your lives. May her soul rest in peace.
Trasifina’s funeral will be on Saturday, 11 May from 06:00 – 08:00 in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has had the most tragic firsthand experience of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as an intern, Ms Trasifina Siphesihle Thambo (20), who worked at our National Office in Pretoria, was murdered by her boyfriend on Monday, 6 May 2024.
According to her family, he later committed suicide himself. While the exact reason for killing her remains unclear, it appears to have stemmed from his desire to control her movements and reluctance to let her leave after visiting home for the weekend. Her sister suggests that he killed her after she asserted her need to return to Pretoria for work. It seems that she stood up to him and his controlling behaviour because she was beginning to see another way of living after starting her term of work at the UDM.
Her immediate supervisor, UDM Chief Administrator, Ms Inga Ndibongo de Villiers, along with her colleagues at the National Office, had the opportunity this week to meet with Trasifina’s loved ones and expressed their condolences for their loss.
As expected, Trasifina’s family is deeply distraught. They conveyed their gratitude to UDM for providing Trasifina with the opportunity to gain work experience. They shared that she often spoke about her experiences with them, including her time canvassing and distributing flyers at Steve Biko Hospital. They also expressed a desire to see her office, as she was evidently very proud to have one.
The entire ordeal has left us deeply shaken, but our deepest sorrow lies in the unnecessary and violent loss of this young woman’s life. This tragic incident serves as yet another stark reminder of GBVF in our country, where women continue to be held hostage by this pervasive and devastating phenomenon.
Trasifina will be remembered as a sweet, gentle and intelligent soul who was dedicated to her work and who was excited at the prospect to learn from her work experience. She was a precious young woman and will be dearly missed.
To those who cherished Trasifina the most during her brief time on this earth, we extend our sincerest condolences. Our hearts are with you, and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate through this period of mourning and profound loss in your lives. May her soul rest in peace.
Trasifina’s funeral will be on Saturday, 11 May from 06:00 – 08:00 in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
