This loss was reported in local newspapers in September. Zusakhe was 16 years old. In a separate tragedy Kwanda Arise & Shine Young Women’s Club in Pefferville, East London are heartbroken by the loss of their dear sister and friend. Melvinia Isabella “Saartjie” Siass took a own life on 13 October. Saartjie was 16 years old.The reason to take such a final and heart-breaking decision is still unknown. She did not leave a note behind nor did she say anything to anyone. The club members wish she had said something to them so that they could have had a chance to help.

The club would like to say to all Rise Young women members “whatever is bothering you, please tell someone. There is always help available”. Soul City Institute have offered their condolences and will work even harder with young women around the country to educate them on social dangers and strengthen support structures for any members who need help. May our young sisters rest in peace.

Below are 2 poems from club members which were read out at  Melvinia Isabella “Saartjie” Siass’s funeral.

If we could bring you back again!

If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We'd express all our unspoken Love;
We'd have countless things to say.

If we could bring you bank again
We'd say we treasured you
And that your presence in our lives
meant more than we ever knew.

If we could bring you back again
To tell you what we should
You'd know how much we miss you now
And if we could, we would

If we could bring you back again

Rest in peace
From
Kwanda Arise & Shine
Young Women's Club

A Better Place

She's in a better place right now
Then she's ever been before;
all pain is gone; She's now at rest;
Nothing troubles her anymore.

It's we who feel the burden of our Sadness
and our grief;
We have to cry, to mourn our loss,
Before we get relief.
We know we'll reconnect  with her at the end
of each life's road
We'll see her cherished face again
When we release our earthly load

She's in a better place

Rest in Peace
From Kwanda Future Leader's
Young Woman's Club