Chronicle Editor
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
TWO years have passed since the brutal murder of Elvis Nyathi in a xenophobic attack in Diepsloot, South Africa, and his family continues to grapple with the profound impact of their loss.
Nyathi, who at the time of his death was aged 41, was brutally murdered by a vigilante group in Diepsloot, South Africa on 6 April in what is believed to have been a response to a call by militant Operation Dudula leader, Nhlanhla Lux to weed out criminals and illegal foreign nationals who they accused of committing crimes in the township north of Johannesburg.
In an emotional interview with Sunday News, Nyathi’s widow, Mrs Nomsa Nyathi, opened up about her journey through grief and the challenges she faces while raising their children in the aftermath of such a tragic event.
Since her husband’s death, Mrs Nyathi has navigated a complex array of feelings, from anger and despair to moments of hope.
The Nyathi family has faced significant hardships since Elvis’s death. In light of their circumstances, Mrs Nyathi had to live with her in-laws in the family residence, as they bought a plot of land but were still awaiting the start of construction on their future home.
The emotional toll of living with extended family while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her children has been challenging.
Mrs Nyathi expressed gratitude for the support from her in-laws, yet the adjustment had not been easy.
“As a single parent, of four children, I was overwhelmed by numerous challenges, after the passing away of my husband, I received R15 000 to cover our basic needs. However, I struggled to make ends meet as I was responsible for supporting over 10 family members living in a small, one-room family home,” she said.
According to Mrs Nyathi, after the burial of her husband, his relatives returned to their homes, promising to send the condolence funds that had been deposited into their accounts.
“Relatives of my late husband had pledged to transfer the funds they received to help alleviate our bereavement. They disappeared without a trace, failing to honour their promise and leaving us struggling to start building,” she said.
Mrs Nyathi said veteran broadcaster, Ezra Sibanda regularly visited them and discovered that the family was crammed into a single room.
“I was struggling to initiate construction on my plot due to limited funds, and the expense of living in town with children was overwhelming. Ezra approached me with news that some generous individuals had donated funds which to our delight proved sufficient to construct a two-room house in a peri-urban area at Ntabazinduna,” Mrs Nyathi said.
“He provided invaluable support by helping in the construction of my house and guiding me through the process of obtaining birth certificates for my children.”
Mrs Nyathi said as a sole breadwinner, she engages in piecemeal jobs to put food on the table and clothe her children.
“I struggle to meet their other essential needs because the meagre money barely covers our basic needs, let alone school expenses such as school fees, uniforms and stationery,” she said.
She expressed heartfelt appreciation to benefactor, Mrs Stella Shimell (nee Ndebele), who selflessly provides for her daughter’s educational expenses and other necessities, dedicating to support her academic journey until she completes her education and Pastor Abednico Dube who sponsors the education of her two younger sons.
“However, our eldest son, currently at home eagerly wished to resume his studies, he previously enrolled in a nurse aide course but couldn’t complete it due to financial constraints. He attempted an attachment programme but unfortunately dropped out due to unpaid fees,” she said.
Mrs Nyathi expressed deep pain and frustration that the individuals responsible for her husband’s murder are now free, while she continues to struggle with the hardship of life.
“My in-laws represented our family in the court case in South Africa, I didn’t dare attend fearing for my life if they were acquitted. After being released on bail, the case was ultimately dropped. What hurts me the most is that I am struggling to provide for my children, while they are freely enjoying their lives outside of prison, seemingly unaffected by their actions,” she added.
Online Reporter