THE African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula paid a visit to Keletile "Kelly" Mthatha's family in Soshanguve South, Extention 1, north of Pretoria, to express his profound condolences on Thursday, March 28.
Mthatha, who worked in Mbabula's office at Luthuli House in Joburg, was one of five people shot at Molewa Pub and Grill in Hebron, just outside Tshwane, early Monday morning, March 25.
The Woman's League of Tshwane Region and the community at large met at Mthatha's house for a blousing ceremony.
The ceremony was led by the Provincial Secretary of the Women's League in Gauteng, Theliswa Mgweba, with over 200 people paying respect through struggle songs.
Mthatha was remembered during the programme as a selfless, hardworking, and highly respectful comrade.
They conducted their tradition of hanging a blouse, which will stay at her home until her burial day on Saturday, March 30, when it will be handed over to the family.
According to Mgweba, Kelly was a joyful comrade and coordinator of the ANC's unity membership at Luthuli House.
Before her death last Saturday, she conducted a Dumela Moagisane programme in Soshanguve.
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Mgweba expressed condolences to the Mthatha family and urged the government to strengthen security in the townships and throughout the province.
"The ANC's role is to provide a safer community at all times; we are not standing up for Kelly's death solely because she was one of us, but rather to advocate for a safer community across the province."
Mbalula said he hired Kelly because she was dedicated and committed to the organisation.
He emphasised the significance of never blaming anyone or questioning God, as anything might happen because of the existence of thugs with illegal firearms in townships.
“We will be supporting her family until the last day. I commended Kelly’s mother for allowing her daughter to serve the community without hesitation,” he said, adding that a giant has fallen.
Kelly's aunty, Dorothy Phala, who was glad about the ANC's involvement in their daughter's death, told the Daily Sun that, while they were in grief, the warmth and care helped to soothe it.
She said Mthatha's acts followed her, as evidenced by the people who came to pay tribute.
"I'm very grateful that Fikile Mbalula intervened because her case has now been transferred to provincial and is no longer with Hebron SAPS," she said.
A memorial service and funeral were at the KT Motivated Community Hall.
