On December 23, 2024, Nontobeko Cele, a young woman whose tragic death last week highlighted the ongoing issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, was laid to rest in Dududu, near uMzinto, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cele, 24, was murdered by her boyfriend, Sbusiso Mtaka, who later confessed to the crime on social media before taking his own life. The devastating event has sparked outrage and renewed calls for action against GBV in the country.

Premier Thami Ntuli Attends Funeral

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli, attended Cele’s funeral, condemning the murder as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address the scourge of gender-based violence in society.

Ntuli was joined by high-profile figures such as Arts and Culture MEC, Mntomuhle Khawula, and former police minister, Bheki Cele. The Premier described the incident as an unjust tragedy, emphasizing that such acts are a direct assault on human dignity.

The KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier (OTP) also expressed its deep sorrow over Cele’s death, calling it a blatant violation of basic human rights.

The OTP reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to combatting GBV and femicide, stressing that the issue must be confronted head-on to protect vulnerable women and communities.

A Call to End GBV and Femicide

Premier Ntuli condemned the murder of women by their intimate partners, asserting that these acts of violence are unacceptable and have a devastating impact on families and communities.

In his statement, Ntuli called for a collective effort to build a society free of gender-based violence.

He acknowledged the immense pain suffered by victims and their families, emphasizing the need for continued action to ensure justice, safety, and protection for all citizens.

“The pain inflicted upon families and communities by gender-based violence is unimaginable,” Ntuli said. “As a province, we will not rest until we build a society free of gender-based violence and femicide.”

The tragic death of Cele has once again put a spotlight on the widespread and often deadly nature of GBV in South Africa. It serves as a grim reminder that more needs to be done to protect women from violence, particularly within intimate relationships.

The Urgency of Action Against Gender-Based Violence

Cele’s murder, like many others, has underscored the urgency with which gender-based violence must be addressed. Advocates for women’s rights have called for stronger laws, better enforcement, and more public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The tragic outcome of this case—where the perpetrator not only murdered his partner but also ended his own life—raises critical questions about mental health, toxic relationships, and the alarming normalization of violence against women.

The funeral of Nontobeko Cele was a somber occasion that brought together various leaders and activists determined to fight for justice and accountability in cases of gender-based violence.

As the community mourns her loss, the collective resolve to end GBV grows stronger, with many pledging to continue the fight for a safer society for all women.

The funeral also highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence, as well as the need for urgent intervention at every level of society—from law enforcement to community-based organizations—to tackle the root causes of GBV and prevent further tragedies like the one that claimed Nontobeko Cele’s life.