Meghan Markle pays respect to murdered female South African student

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, paid a private visit to the family of a female student, Uyinene Mrwetyana, who was murdered in Cape Town last.

The Duchess’ official Instagram account made the revelation over the weekend. Meghan was in South Africa with her husband Prince Harry and baby son Archie as the family make their first official visit as a family to Africa. The visit also marks the first time Meghan is visiting South Africa.

In the post shared, the Duchess was pictured tying a ribbon at the site of the murder “to show solidarity with those who have taken a stand against gender-based violence and femicide,” the post says.

Uyinene Mrwetyana was only 19 when her life was tragically taken away.

The Duchess also shared a solidarity message with the phrase “Simi kunye kulesisimo” which means “We stand together in this moment” along with a The New Yorker article that discussed the murder and the protest it generated.

Also according to the post, it was “personally important” for Meghan to visit the site and to “recognise Uyinene, and all women and girls affected by GBV (gender-based violence).”

It was also revealed that the Duchess had attended several meetings “to deepen her understanding of the current situation” as she “continue to advocate for the rights of women and girls.”

Read the post in full:

“‘Simi kunye kulesisimo’ – ‘We stand together in this moment’

“Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana was murdered last month, to pay her respects and to show solidarity with those who have taken a stand against gender-based violence and femicide. Over the last month in Capetown, protests erupted through the streets in outrage over GBV in South Africa.

“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 affected 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.

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