Maseko’s emotional farewell
THE teary mother of Khensani Maseko, the Rhodes University student who committed suicide following an alleged rape ordeal, gave her daughter a heartbreaking final send-off yesterday.
While millions were commemorating yesterday’s Women’s Day across the country, Thembi Thobile Maseko, was trying to come to terms with the loss of her daughter when hundreds gathered at her funeral in Alberton, Ekurhuleni. She was buried at Nasrec Memorial Park.
The emotionally distraught Maseko’s final tribute and final message to her late daughter was read by a relative, Sandiso Maseko
Maseko, said Khensani, 23, was a star – like her second name, Nkanyezi – who excelled in her short-lived life.
“‘When I took you for your Grade 1 assessment test, your score far exceeded the set benchmark… when I watched you run a 100m sprint or relay, you dashed like a star.
“When you went for your matric dance, you wanted a sparkling dress.
“In your own words, you said you wanted to sparkle like a chandelier.
“When you proceeded to university, you continued to shine like a star… entrenched in constructive and meaningful student activities,” read her message.
The mother said she was grateful for the 23 years she shared with Khensani and did not know how she would carry on without her daughter but would trust God to help her make it through.
Khensani, a third-year law student at Rhodes University, committed suicide at her home last week. She went through a bout of depression following an alleged rape at the hands of her boyfriend in May.
A childhood friend, who only identified himself as Sibu, said Khensani was a passionate figure of strength and love.
“All I have now is our pictures and memories.
“I am deeply shattered that I could not be there for you in your darkest hour. We shared birthdays, matric dances, social gatherings and career choices. I can’t even begin to describe how much I am going to miss you,” he said.
“I thought that time would help… at what point does this feel real? At what point does it make sense? You are always and eternally loved,” Sibu said.
EFF leadership in Gauteng called for satellite police stations to be made available at universities together with compulsory modules that tackle mental well-being.
The party’s Gauteng chairperson, Mandisa Mashego, said it was painfully ironic calling the day “Women’s Day” that the month could never be a happy one. Khensani was an EFF student leader.
“Our hearts are broken and this should not have happened.
“South Africa in its entirety is a crime scene. Women constantly get raped. Domestic workers are raped by their male bosses; in the corporate and government world this happens too. Children are also raped st their universities and at taxi ranks,” said Mashego.
Mashego accused Rhodes University of hypocrisy. She claimed when students were raped, the institute refused to open cases.
EFF student command president Peter Keetse said counselling centres at universities were often hidden and not easily identifiable.
Rhodes vice- chancellor Sizwe Mabizela said: “Khensani’s death has once again raised our nation’s anger and frustration.
“Her death must force us to pause and reflect deeply on the kind of society we have become,” said Mabizela.