Nomaswazi Nkosi
PRETORIA: The love between Hope Zinde and her son dominated speeches during the memorial service of the veteran journalist in Mamelodi on Thursday.
Mourners spoke of the bond between the mother and son, many saying Zinde lived for her son and did everything for him.
Zinde’s family, friends and colleagues had gathered at the Mamelodi Central Methodist Church, where Zinde was a worshipper, to remember her after her tragic death.
Her body was found in the boot of her car at her Pecanwood Estate home in Hartbeespoort last Saturday.
Zinde’s son, Warona, 28, was arrested, and appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court for her murder. He is making his second court appearance today after being charged with murder and possession of drugs.
Nomsa Nkuna, who spoke on behalf of her friends, asked the Zinde family to support Warona. “She literally lived for that boy,” said Nkuna.
Her former SABC colleague Alice Mkhabela said only God knew what happened, but the truth would come out. “We know that she loved her son, and her son also loved her, but the truth will come out.”
Minister of Public Service and Administration Ngoako Ramatlhodi urged everyone to make sure that Zinde’s son got the support he needed.
Ramatlhodi said he had a close relationship with Zinde, which started when he was still premier of Limpopo.
“Our relationship became so deep that I became part of her family,” he said, adding that his heart dropped when he saw Warona on TV appearing in court for the murder of his mother.
“But we should not rush this. I do not understand how that small boy carried his mother’s body.”
Sana Mokgele, Zinde’s class leader in the Methodist Church, said: “She lived for that boy. Her son also had the same love for his mother.”
Whenever Zinde attended church she would have her son right by her side, Mokgele said.
Zinde was also described as a devoted Christian who was heavily active in the church.
Many knew her publicly as a former SABC board member and journalist, but during the moving service, mourners spoke of a different side to her.
Another memorial service takes place this afternoon at the Hellenic Community Centre in Pretoria. Zinde will be buried next Tuesday, and leaves behind her son, four siblings and her mother.