Condolences are pouring for the loss of municipal employee, Princess Zabanguni Nkabane, who passed away on 14 May after spending two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit.
Details on the cause of her death have been withheld by her fiancé, Nhlanhla Nakhanya, who expressed great sadness to the Springfield Weekly Gazette.
Nkabane worked in eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit as a senior communications officer in media relations and was a student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), pursuing her Masters in Journalism and would have graduated on Tuesday, 28 May.
Makhanya said that his fiancée matriculated at Ixopo High School and leaves behind a four-year-old son as well as 17-month-old and five-month-old daughters.
“She was one of three siblings, two younger sisters and a younger brother, and still had both her mother and father. My fiancée will be missed the most for her devotion and love for us as her family. She poured so much into us, while having a 9-to-5 job and studying part-time. We never lacked her warmth and love. Our household was a place of such joy because of her,” said Makhanya.
He said that his fiancée was a heroine, resilient and a one of a kind woman.
“From handling crying babies, sick babies, nappy changes to submitting her masters degree assignment, handling media queries, irrespective of that we always felt like a priority as we were always laughing in our home or stuffing our faces with food as she was a foodie. She loved family excursions. I have lost my twin, a lover, friend, a prayer partner and my soulmate,” said Makhanya.
On social media, the DUT community mourned the tragic loss of Nkabane.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the Journalism Department and the Faculty of Arts and Design. We wish the bereaved strength, peace and comfort during this challenging time. In honour of her achievements, Ms Nkabane will be awarded her Master’s degree posthumously, with her family accepting on her behalf. May her soul rest in peace,” read the post.
Nkabane’s memorial service was held by eThekwini Municipality on Wednesday, 23 May, at the Natural Science Museum Research Centre and she will be laid to rest on Saturday, 25 May, in Ixopo.
The media industry will also miss her punctuality and attentiveness when responding to media queries. “Lala ngokuthula maGawu, Mdelanga, iyobonana ekuseni.”
