The family of Thobile Tshabalala, the 27-year-old South African woman who passed away in the United States earlier this month, has confirmed that her funeral will be held on July 12 in Soweto.
Thobile, originally from Zondi, died on June 8 in Columbus, Ohio, after a period of illness. Her death shocked her family and sparked a public appeal for help to repatriate her remains back to South Africa.
Following her mother’s emotional plea and widespread media coverage, including a widely shared article titled “Soweto family seeks help to repatriate Thobile Tshabalala’s remains from the US”, South Africans responded with overwhelming generosity.
In a heartfelt message, the family expressed deep gratitude to everyone who donated or shared the GoFundMe campaign. “We are humbled and truly thankful to every person who extended a hand in our darkest hour,” said her uncle, Kholekile Tshabalala. “Because of you, Thobile will come home and be laid to rest with dignity.”
Thobile had travelled to the US in May 2024 to work as an au pair, but faced mental health challenges and employment instability. Her untimely death while seeking a better life abroad has touched many and reignited conversations about support for South African expatriates in crisis.
Her burial will be open to members of the public who wish to pay their respects.
