Dineo Lehari

WHO WAS SENZO MEYIWA AND WHAT DID HE DO?

IntroductionSenzo Meyiwa was a South African football player who played for Orlando Pirates. He was born in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal on 18 May 1988 and died on 26 October 2014 at the age of 26 due to gunshot wounds sustained during an armed robbery at his home in Vosloorus, Gauteng.Senzo grew up in Durban with his mother and four siblings: two brothers and two sisters. As a child he played rugby union but switched to soccer when he joined AmaZulu FC's academy at 14 years old because he wanted to stay closer to home so that he could help support his family financially (they had lost their father). Senzo went on to play professionally for Kaizer Chiefs before moving back down south again where he joined Orlando Pirates as captain in 2010; this made him one of only three black captains among all South African Premier Soccer League teams at that time (the others being Thabo Mngomeni from Free State Stars FC).Early Life and CareerSenzo Meyiwa was born in Durban, South Africa, on 26 November 1986. His father was a professional soccer player, who played for Kaizer Chiefs FC and Bafana Bafana (the national team). Senzo followed in his father's footsteps and started playing soccer at a young age. He rose through the ranks of amateur clubs before joining Orlando Pirates as a professional player in 2004.Senzo spent most of his career with Orlando Pirates FC, where he became captain of their first team squad by 2013. During his time there he won several awards including:-Top Goalkeeper Award (2010)-Best Player Award (2011)Senzo Meyiwa's MurderSenzo Meyiwa's murder is one of South Africa's most tragic stories. The talented goalkeeper was shot dead by intruders at his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo's house in Vosloorus, Johannesburg on 2nd October 2014.Senzo had just returned from a football match when he was confronted by three men who demanded money and valuables from him. Senzo tried to put up a fight but was overpowered by the intruders who then shot him in the chest before fleeing on foot with some of Kelly's jewellery and other items including cellphones belonging to her children from previous relationships.The suspects were arrested after being identified via CCTV footage obtained from cameras installed around the house as well as neighbouring properties which captured images of them fleeing after committing their crimeMourning and MemorialsThe death of Senzo Meyiwa was a tragic loss for South Africa, and the world at large. His funeral was attended by thousands of people from all walks of life, including President Jacob Zuma and Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi. A memorial service was held at Orlando Stadium in Soweto where he played his last game before his murder.The Senzo Meyiwa Memorial Cup has been established as an annual soccer tournament in honour of him which will take place each year until 2022 when it will become an annual event for all clubs across South Africa to participate in.The Impact of Senzo Meyiwa's DeathThe death of Senzo Meyiwa was a tragedy. He was only 27 years old, and had a promising career ahead of him as a football player. His death has had an impact on the entire country of South Africa, but especially on his family and friends.Senzo's mother, Nosipho Meyiwa said: "I am numb with pain and can't believe that my son will not come back home again." It is clear that she feels deeply for her son's loss; however, she also wants people to remember what he did for them while he was alive rather than focusing solely on his tragic end. She said: "We want people who knew him or heard about him [to] know that he was not only a great footballer but also [a] wonderful human being."The Senzo Meyiwa FoundationThe Senzo Meyiwa Foundation was established in 2015, two years after the death of Senzo Meyiwa, as a way to continue his legacy. The foundation's goals are to provide support for disadvantaged youth through education and sports programs. Through these initiatives, they aim to create opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have them--especially those from communities that face high rates of crime and violence (such as townships).The Senzo Meyiwa Foundation has made an impact on thousands of lives since its inception: it has given scholarships worth R100 000 each year since 2016; it has funded schools' construction projects; provided laptops and tablets; bought uniforms for students who need them; paid school fees when necessary; sent kids on trips abroad so they can see what else is possible outside their immediate environment...and much more!Justice for Senzo MeyiwaThe investigation into Senzo Meyiwa's murder is still ongoing, but there have been some developments. The police have made several arrests in connection with the case, including a man named Phuthi Monde from Nongoma, who was charged with murder and attempted robbery on October 15th 2015. The public has also played an important role in helping to solve this crime by providing information about suspects or potential witnesses.The South African justice system is not perfect; however it does offer many protections for defendants that can make it difficult for prosecutors to secure convictions unless they have substantial evidence against them.ConclusionSenzo Meyiwa was a talented footballer, who died at the age of 27. He was killed by his girlfriend's brother in 2014.His death is tragic and shocking, but it is also important to remember that he lived an amazing life - one that should be celebrated by all South Africans.Copy↓Jump To Latest