July unrest 3 years on: Siblings still battling effects of losing breadwinner mom
Amanda and Zodwa Magadule were in their early twenties when their mother died during a stampede at the Ndofaya Mall in Soweto three years ago.
Emergency services putting a fire during the July 2021 riots in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Photo: Boikhutso Ntsoko/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - A Soweto family continues to suffer the devastating effects of the 2021 July unrest after being left to fend for themselves following the death of their breadwinner.
Amanda and Zodwa Magadule were in their early twenties when their mother died during a stampede at the Ndofaya Mall in Soweto three years ago.
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Mandisa Magadule left home to participate in looting at the mall, intending to bring back clothes and toys for her unborn grandchild.
Magadule was part of over 350 people who died after the country was plunged into chaos by the riots exactly three years ago, in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, after former President Jacob Zuma was jailed.
A large portrait of Zodwa’s late mother hangs on the living room wall, serving as a reminder of her tragic passing.
Zodwa, on the other hand, emphasises the picture also evokes the heartbreaking moment she discovered her mother's passing during the July unrest.
“I was roaming around the streets asking people if they’ve seen my mum. People said, ‘we are busy looting and you’re asking for your mum’.”
However, the same portrait serves as a reminder to her sister, Amanda, that her mother died trying to provide for her unborn baby.
“It was a very difficult time because I was nine months pregnant when she died. This picture reminds me of my mother’s cooking - she was an amazing cook.”
Three years later, the siblings said they were yet to recover from the loss of their mother.