Zinzile MavusoAnother day of mourning grips South Africa. The life of Nathaniel Julius, a 16-year-old boy from Eldorado Park, has been taken away from us too soon. Young Nathaniel, a disabled teenager, was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer. He died on Wednesday evening at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital.
The Kathrada Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Nathaniel. In this difficult time, we reiterate the call for justice to be served. He, like many of our youth and women, have fallen victim to increased systemic violence that plagues our country, and the world over. The people of Eldorado Park have lost a son, and we have lost a light. Every child lost darkens our future and limits our growth.
Whilst we welcome the ongoing investigation into the actions of the police officers involved, we strongly condemn the continued use of excessive force by the police and security forces. We need real accountability where the consequences for those responsible for murder, rape and abuse are increased prison time and #OrangeOveralls.
For too long we have forgone the value of Ubuntu as a nation. The fight for our countries soul prompts us to work together to achieve a just and equitable transition, not just against violence but of deeply rooted corruption and valueless systems that put personal interest before the people. We will continue to engage our Youth Club members in Eldorado Park to find ways of supporting the family and the community in its quest for #JusticeForNathaniel
Strength to all in these trying times
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Youth
