The Duchess of Sussex paid a private visit to the memorial of Uyinene Mrwetyana who was raped and murdered last month.
19-year-old Uyinene Mrwetyana, a student at the University of Cape Town, was the victim of a brutal crime which sparked widespread outrage in South Africa. It also highlighted the issue of femicide in the country. According to the official Sussex Royal Instagram, The Duchess of Sussex tied a ribbon where Uyinene was murdered and also spoke to the woman’s mother to give her and Prince Harry’s condolences.
The message on Instagram said, “The Duke and Duchess had been following what had happened from afar and were both eager to learn more when they arrived in South Africa. The Duchess spoke to the mother of Uyinene this week to relay their condolences. Visiting the site of this tragic death and being able to recognise Uyinene, and all women and girls effected by GBV (specifically in South Africa, but also throughout the world) was personally important to The Duchess. Uyinene’s death has mobilised people across South Africa in the fight against gender based violence, and is seen as a critical point in the future of women’s rights in South Africa. The Duchess has taken private visits and meetings over the last two days to deepen her understanding of the current situation and continue to advocate for the rights of women and girls.”
The Duchess of Sussex wrote “Simi kunye kulesisimo” on her ribbon, which means “We stand together in this moment” in the local language of Xhosa.
