By Malikhanye Mankayi
In a heartfelt gathering at Brookshaw Home in Makhanda, colleagues and friends came together to honour the memory of the late Ntomboxolo Kom, who was brutally raped and murdered recently.
The memorial service on Monday was a poignant moment for all who knew and worked alongside Kom, as they celebrated her life and shared cherished memories.
Different speakers, representing various faces of Kom’s professional life, took to the podium to pay tribute to her and offer condolences to her family and friends.
Estie Westcott, speaking on behalf of the Brookshaw Home management, expressed her deepest condolences: “I would like to extend sincere condolences to her children, family, and friends during this difficult and sad time. The loss of such a remarkable woman leaves us all in shock. We pray for God’s comfort to be with Kom’s loved ones and colleagues during this dark hour. Brookshaw Home is immensely grateful to her family for sharing her life with us,” said Westcott.
Kom’s supervisor, Sister Muller, fondly remembered her dedication to her work: “Esther was a truly dedicated employee. Whenever she was given a task, she would ensure its completion without fail. I never once had to doubt her commitment. Her willingness to assist with technology, as she was the youngest, was dedication. While our hearts are broken, we find solace in knowing that our faith will heal us. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, and they remain in our prayers,” said Muller.
Mavis Mpati, representing the workers’ union, spoke of Kom’s professionalism and integrity: “Ntomboxolo was a person of integrity who diligently followed her employer’s directives. She never received a warning or reprimand for failing to comply. She was a colleague who prioritized her work and avoided conflicts. Her loss is deeply felt, as we mourn the departure of someone so devoted to her responsibilities,” said Mpati.
Colleagues and friends shared memories of Kom, reflecting on her warmth, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to her work.
The memorial service was a testament to the impact she had on those around her, both professionally and personally. On Saturday, her body will arrive at her home 8am and head to the Indoor Sport Centre in Joza at 9.30am.
The day before the memorial service at Brookshaw Home, the community of Makhanda had, in a touching display of unity and remembrance, come together at the old Benjamin Mahlasela High School building in Extension 7, to honour the life of Kom in a dignified candlelight vigil.
The event, organized by the Isikhalo Womxn’s Movement, an Eastern Cape-based organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and the Grahamstown Anti-Crime group, was attended by people from all walks of life.
Kom, whose life was tragically cut short, was remembered by friends, family, and community members who gathered wearing all-black attire, a symbol of mourning and solidarity. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as shown in the faces of those who had come to pay their respects.
Church leaders from various denominations joined in the vigil, offering prayers and words of comfort to those in mourning. The candlelight service provided a moment of comfort for the grieving family, as the community stood together in solidarity, sharing in their sorrow.
Speaking on behalf of the Isikhalo Womxn’s Movement, organizers expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Kom family and emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to support one another during times of tragedy.
As candles burned low and prayers filled the air, it was evident that Ntomboxolo Kom’s memory would live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. The candlelight vigil served not only as a moment of remembrance, but also as a call to action, reminding humanity of the urgent need to work towards a society free from violence and injustice.
