KwaCele, 24 December 2024 - On the eve of Christmas, a time traditionally marked by love, peace, and giving, the KwaZulu-Natal community of Malangeni is shrouded in grief and anger. The senseless murder of Nontobeko Cele, allegedly at the hands of her partner, has sent shockwaves through the province. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, addressing mourners at KwaCele, delivered a passionate call to action against the escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV).
“This Christmas, instead of celebrating joyfully, the Cele family and Malangeni community mourn under a dark cloud of sorrow. Nontobeko’s life was stolen with cruelty by someone who once vowed to love and protect her,” said Premier Ntuli.
Nontobeko leaves behind a young daughter who will now grow up without a mother. The Premier condemned the horrifying trend of intimate partner violence, calling it an attack on the sanctity of family and community life.
A National Crisis
Premier Ntuli highlighted that the murder of Nontobeko occurred shortly after the province celebrated Reconciliation Day and prepared to launch a year-long campaign against GBV. The timing of the tragedy, he said, underscores the urgency of addressing violence against women.
“This is a national crisis,” Ntuli declared. “How have we reached a point where some men can commit such heinous acts, even sharing images of their brutality on social media? Where is our humanity?”
The Premier reflected on another recent tragedy: the brutal killing of Bongeka Makhathini and her three-year-old child. He expressed dismay at the growing culture of violence and the failure of some to intervene before these tragedies occur.
The Role of Communities
Ntuli criticised communities and families that remain silent in the face of abuse, arguing that intervention could save lives. “It is a crime to turn a blind eye to someone living in an abusive relationship,” he said. “If we act, women like Nontobeko might still be alive today to celebrate Christmas with their families.”
He also called on men to play an active role in addressing the crisis. “An assault on women and children is an assault on the future of our nation. Men must stand up and speak out against these crimes,” he urged.
Government Initiatives and Support
The provincial government has prioritised addressing GBV and has recently deployed 173 activists to police stations across KwaZulu-Natal to assist survivors and educate communities. The Premier encouraged survivors of abuse to use available resources, including Victim-Friendly Rooms at police stations and White Door Centres of Hope, which provide temporary shelter and counselling.
Ntuli also emphasised the importance of prosecuting perpetrators. “Abusers must feel the full weight of the law,” he stated.
A Call for Societal Change
The Premier’s speech called for a collective effort to change societal attitudes toward women. He urged parents to teach their sons to respect women, and communities to expose abusers, even those in powerful positions. “We must end this culture of silence and complicity,” he said.
Ntuli concluded with a message of hope, encouraging South Africans to honour Nontobeko’s memory by actively working to end GBV. “Her death must not be in vain. Let us unite to create a safer, brighter future for women and children.”
In Memory of Nontobeko Cele
As the province mourns the loss of Nontobeko Cele, Premier Ntuli offered words of comfort to her family, quoting Psalm 9:9: “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
“We share your pain,” he said. “Let us put our faith in God, who will bring healing and peace.”
KwaZulu-Natal has been left shaken by this tragedy, but as Premier Ntuli reminded the nation, it is also an opportunity to renew the fight against gender-based violence. “Together, we can bring an end to this scourge and create a South Africa where women and children are safe and free to thrive.”
ENDS