Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu [email protected]
THE Khumalo family has described Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters, Natalie and Nala, as gifts from God whose lives were marked by love, faith, humility and purpose.
Speaking during the funeral service held on Tuesday at the Brethren in Christ Church in New Lobengula, Bulawayo, family representative Mr Theophilous Khumalo said the family was mourning with broken hearts but remained comforted by their faith.
He said the death of Nothabo, Natalie and Nala had created a deep silence within the family and community, but they continued to hold on to God’s promise of comfort even during difficult times.
“Nothabo Zandile Khumalo and her precious daughters Natalie and Nala, their departure has created a silence so deep that only the voice of God can comfort us. We come before the Lord with broken hearts, yet filled with faith that remains unshaken,” said Mr Khumalo.
He described Nothabo as a woman who was rooted in faith and purpose, saying she was born into the Khumalo family as a blessing who carried grace, intelligence and quiet strength.
Mr Khumalo said Nothabo worked hard from an early age, excelled academically and built a distinguished professional career after leaving Zimbabwe to establish herself in the United Kingdom.
He said she earned respect in her workplaces through her dedication, discipline and integrity, adding that she represented her family and upbringing with honour.
“Beyond her achievements, Nothabo was a woman of love. Deep, sacrificial and unwavering love. Her daughters were her ministry. She poured herself into them, nurturing their minds, their hearts and their faith,” he said.
Mr Khumalo said Nothabo wanted her daughters to grow into confident, educated young women who loved God.
He described Natalie, 15, as a gentle, intelligent and gifted young woman who was blossoming into a person of great promise.
He said Nala, who was only five years old, brought joy to those around her and her laughter reflected the innocence and happiness of childhood.
“Natalie and Nala, God’s little flowers. Their lives were short, but their impact was profound,” said Mr Khumalo.
Nothabo and her daughters died in the United Kingdom last month in a tragedy that has left both the Zimbabwean and international communities mourning.
Their bodies arrived in Zimbabwe on Monday morning in Harare after weather-related disruptions delayed their repatriation. They arrived in Bulawayo in the evening ahead of their burials today.
