At noon on October 26th 2006, my brother, Warwick Weedon, phoned to share
the tragic news of his wife’s murder….. "Gill’s dead, Bobby, knifed to death."
Gill, secretary of the KZN Midlands Squash Union SA, was the epitome of peace, lived her life in service to others and was a shining example of kindness and care in action – a stark contrast to the violence marking the end of her life.
The following day, Thulasizwe Mngomezulu, director of Heritage in the KZN provincial government, was stabbed to death in the city centre. He too was a peace-loving man who dedicated his life to the service of others, and was known for his love of people, his keen intellect and great sense of humour.
The anger and the grief following these two murders was immense. It was a call for action. They are just two of the countless number of people who are murdered and violated on a daily basis throughout our country, and throughout our world. My comment, 'We should strive for peace and kindness, instead of fighting against violence', was quoted in the press, and it is these words that form the basis upon which the uBuntu Peace Project is founded.
Gill Weedon and Thulas Mngomezulu lived their lives in service to others and left a powerful imprint of love. I dedicate this uBuntu Peace Project to the memory of their compassion and kindness. I know that they would want us to work side by side, in unity with each other – every one of us – discovering that peace is the only way.
- Bobby Hackland (Ms)
Telephone: +27 (0)31 201 6444
Mobile: +27 (0)79 199 2211
Email: bobby@ubuntupeaceproject.com |
