Programme director Noxolo Grootboom emphasised that something like this is not expected in a new South Africa, for a friend to go visit a friend’s place and then not return.
“It is unlike the new democracy.”
Speaking on behalf of Khosi Galetwi (Palesa Madiba’s mother), Portia Makhathini said: “I do not know where to start, when I have to speak about my precious daughter.”
“To tell the truth, I knew that one day I would have to part with my daughter, but not in this way.
“To be honest, I didn’t do this alone, Palesa’s Aunt Tebogo, played a big role in bringing her up.”
“It is the Lord who decided that it’s time. I am trying to stay strong for everyone, but deep down, I am broken.
“Although it’s difficult, but all is well,” she said.
Palesa’s elder sister, Lerato Madiba said: “Whenever I think of the horrible ordeal my sister had encountered, that resulted to her death, I just close my eyes and comfort myself with her beautiful smile.”
UJ deputy chancellor, professor Tshilidzi Marwala said: “She was our student at the University of Johannesburg, doing her final year, with great promise to move our society forward. But God had his plans.”
