Sibongile Mashaba

Sibongile Mashaba

From a very young age Nosizo Ratsoana's dream was to be a journalist.

The young mother of two sons, aged 18 months and five years, died tragically in an accident in Pretoria last week.

Ratsoana was an intern at Sowetan between 2004 and 2005.

Her mother, Ntombenhle Zwane, said: "From a very young age she spoke of being a journalist. She was up-to-date with current affairs and politics. She was born to be a journalist.

"She made friends with everybody. She would share R10 with you. She was not selfish and had a good personality."

Zwane said her daughter's death was a shock as the family was still expecting her to spread her wings and fly higher.

"The family is traumatised by her death," she said.

For Kabelo, her husband, it's a nightmare because he has to answer questions posed by their children, Khumo and Amogelang, about her whereabouts.

Ratsoana said: "It is very difficult. They always ask where their mother is. I have told them that she has gone to a place far away, a place she loves dearly."

Ratsoana started her schooling at Azaadville Primary School and matriculated at Azaadville High School.

She was enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology where she was completing a Journalism diploma.

Ratsoana is survived by her husband, two sons, parents and three sisters.

She will be buried tomorrow at the Sterkfontein Cemetery at 10am. The service will be held at 3568 Matrosse Street in Hillview, Kagiso, on West Rand.