Beloved radio presenter and TV personality, Marietjie Bothma, has died following a brief illness, leaving a wave of tributes in her wake.
Marietjie ‘Intombi Yomzulu’ Bothma dies: What’s the cause of death?
Known affectionately as Intombi Yomzulu, Bothma’s vibrant presence and fluency in isiZulu endeared her to many.
Sauma HD Radio, the station where Bothma worked, announced her untimely passing with a poignant statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our esteemed radio presenter, Marietjie Bothma, on 29th May 2023. Lala ngoxolo Sisi Marietjie Bothma. Good night.”
The radio station did not provide specific details about Bothma’s cause of death.
Marietjie Bothma biography
Hailing from the controversial KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal, Bothma emerged as one of the courageous former members who testified about the human rights abuses endured at the mission.
In her harrowing testimony before the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities in 2020, Bothma disclosed the physical and sexual abuse she suffered as a child.
She recounted distressing experiences such as being forced to “suck on the breasts” of the church leader Erlo Stegen’s daughters, Ruth Combrink and Elizabeth Vermaak.
Bothma shared the anguish of her childhood, where she was subjected to punishment, including the ingestion of pepper water, for speaking out about the abuse.
While the mission had previously denied allegations of abuse, attributing them to specific individuals rather than the mission as a whole, Bothma’s testimony shed light on the systemic nature of the mistreatment she endured within her own home and at the mission’s school.
She courageously exposed the sexual assault perpetrated by her adoptive father, who, despite the mission’s claims of addressing the issue, evaded consequences by fleeing.
Reactions to Bothma’s death
Following the announcement of Bothma’s passing, an outpouring of tributes flooded in from all corners.
Publicist Zuza Mbatha penned a heartfelt message, which read:
“Ulale Ngokuthula Marietjie Bothma Intombi emhlophe yomZulu” (Rest in peace, Marietjie Bothma, the white Zulu girl).”
Nkiyase Mondlana Mbatha expressed condolences, saying, “Rest In Peace my friend, Marietjie Bothma #ripmarietjiebothma.”
Lebogang Masonta acknowledged Bothma’s remarkable character, stating, “What a great woman she was, rest well girl you lived and fulfilled the assignment God gave you.”
Writer Loyiso Lindani shared his personal encounter with Bothma, describing her as a legendary figure whose impactful life story deeply moved him.
Here are more reactions to Bothma’s death: