Kagiso Mphela

Mathapelo Mabuza was a gorgeous, soft-spoken young woman. Her sudden death on Tuesday has shocked her family and friends.

Mathapelo and her twin brother Thapelo were born on October 25 1986 in Mhluzi township, Middleburg. Her passing has left her twin brother and sisters shocked and traumatised.

She leaves behind scores of friends in Mhluzi and surrounding areas, a measure of how much she loved and was loved.

Mathapelo told her family only last week that she did not want her 21st birthday to be like that of her sisters. She wanted something unique and exciting. Thapelo says his sister was a lovable person who enjoyed life to the fullest.

She was very close to her siblings, and by extension me as her sister's friend. I loved her like a sister, and will miss her terribly.

Mathapelo loved education and always carried something to read in her handbag. I remember asking her why she always carried books. She jokingly replied that she was a genius.

I feel sad to be writing her obituary instead of sending her an e-mail wishing her good luck with her examinations.

She is survived by her parents, sisters Pinky and Zandi, and twin brother Thapelo. Her funeral service will take place on Saturday at the Roman Catholic Church in Mhluzi from 9am.