‘Most feared to tell me about Shirley’s death’
MANZINI– The deceased’s mother, Jabulile Nxumalo, said most avoided calling her to notify her about daughter’s death.
Nxumalo said most opted for closer relatives because they felt she was going to be unfit to receive the shocking news, however, she said she had to be strong for her late daughter. Speaking on this she said: “I remembered how much she loved me and I knew I can not break I have to stand strong,” said Nxumalo. Even during the memorial service, she was energetic and was able to stand in front of the mourners and pay her last tribute to her daughter.
“I received a call around 6am from your brother Ronny in Johannesburg saying you had an accident. I thought you were in ICU, Sithandwa Sami (my love), but Lo and behold, you were no more,” she said. She said when she looked at her, laying there lifeless, she felt like breaking down, but Jesus gave her strength.
PROMISED
She further promised to take care of her children. She said the eldest son, would be a star, while the youngest will be an artist as he admires drawing. “How I wish I could turn back the hands of time and have you dance with me for the last time. Who will call me in the morning and ask me how I feel? Then you tell me to sit down while you dance and say, ‘Lena ishwacisa lugogo,” Nxumalo said.
She said she had taken the space of her deceased husband as she did everything for her. She said she would never forget the day she gave her a BMW car , although she did not reveal its model and promised to relate that memorial day to her children. She said Motsa was already planning her 70th birthday celebrations.
Blessed
During her Standard Bank tenure, she met her husband, Mbusi Motsa, whom she married in 2012. This union was blessed with two lovely boys, Siphosethu and Owethu, aged 11 and 6 years, respectively. Shirley ensured that her boys followed in her sporting footsteps; with Siphosethu already attaining 13 medals and three trophies across cycling, football, running, and hockey sporting codes. Recently, Owethu also received his first podium finish, taking first position in the ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ cycling race.
Shirley and Mbusi enjoyed sports together, shared a love for music, and often attended Jazz festivals in the country and beyond. The Joy of Jazz and Cape Town Jazz Festivals were her favourites. She also featured as a host in the local radio station Jazz programme.