Poet and teacher Nomfusi Potelwa shot dead on eve of Women’s Day

Poet, praise singer and teacher Nomfusi Potelwa has been gunned down in front of two of her children. 

Provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed that Potelwa, 46, was killed at 9.15pm on Tuesday at her home in Govan Mbeki township, Dutywa. 

“Four unknown males entered her house ...  and shot the deceased in her upper body.

“She died on the scene. The motive for her killing is unknown.” 

Potelwa’s nephew, Viwe Potelwa, described his aunt as the family mediator, a woman who was always full of jokes.

He said the children — aged 18, 16 and 12 — were finding it hard to believe that their mother was gone. 

“She was a number one isiXhosa poet in the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (Sadtu) competition nationally. Nomfusi had the great gift of a golden voice and I chose her to read some of my poems."

—  Masiza Mazizi

“They have not accepted this yet. And her mother, 75, is trying to be strong, but we can see she is suffering, because Nomfusi was her go-to person.

“The tragic ordeal happened when she was with her 12-year-old daughter, who was busy washing dishes, and a son. The children ran for safety as the suspects entered the home. 

“We are shattered and heartbroken. We have lost one of the pillars of the family.”

Author and poet Masiza Mazizi described Potelwa as a powerful and talented isiXhosa poet with a virtuosity which inspired many South Africans, especially young people.

“She was a number one isiXhosa poet in the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (Sadtu) competition nationally.

“Nomfusi had the great gift of a golden voice and I chose her to read some of my poems.

“I last saw her on May 12 during my book launch. As an isiXhosa educator herself, she never shied away from critiquing my work whenever I asked her to record and read it. She was humble, brave and as focused as an eagle.” 

Mazizi shared his concerns about crime in the country, saying it was spreading in rural towns such as Willowvale and Dutywa. 

“Within just six months, three people were shot dead in Dutywa.

“The killing of women by men is a sign of a barbarism and cowardice and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

“We will miss her, as without her great skill we are the poorer, and it’s not easy to find such great talent and skill.

“Of utmost importance is that all the people behind this crime should be brought to justice as a matter of urgency.” 

Sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe called on law enforcement agencies to ensure justice was done for the Potelwa family. 

“The murder of Nomfusi Potelwa is appalling, especially as it was during Women’s Month.

“It speaks of a sick society that has no regard for the lives of women and children.

“Nomfusi was not just a creative, she was a teacher and a community builder.”

Kontsiwe said Potelwa’s murder was a major loss for the people of the province.

“We send our sincere condolences to her family — particularly her children.”

Potelwa was a teacher at Dinizulu Secondary School in Taleni village, outside Dutywa. 

Education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said the MEC, Fundile Gade, had condemned the killing. 

“District officials broke this sad news to her pupils, colleagues and the school community.

“All affected individuals will be provided with psychosocial support.”

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