05/01/2026
On behalf of Ryan's All Star Motors, Ubuntu Africa Holdings, and the people of Zimbabwe, I address the Woodstock community in my personal capacity and as a representative of my nation.
I choose to speak directly to you as a community because, although you represent a demographic minority in numerical terms within this great country, your voice carries the weight and dignity of South Africa as a whole.
I address you humbly at a moment of profound pain, when one of our own has brought humiliation upon us all.
Before delving into this tragedy, allow me to share briefly how our festive season unfolded. After enduring a personal crisis that nearly shattered my purpose and resolve right before you , I emerged stronger—by the grace of God—and returned to stand before you, just as I once fell in vulnerability. The Woodstock community embraced me during that time, valuing not only the affordable, essential automotive services provided by Ryan's All Star Motors but also the humility and character that underpin them. Recognising the automotive sector as an essential service, we remained operational throughout the holidays to ensure your mobility and safety.
Yet, even as we served, darker events unfolded among my compatriots. One Zimbabwean brother confided in me that his wife had spent days drinking with friends, prompting him to threaten violence. I warned him sternly that any assault would lead me to assist her in reporting him to authorities. Tragically, he acted on his threat. When I approached the woman to fulfil my promise, she declined to proceed, and I respected her decision—though it weighed heavily on me.
Today, the news that devastated me most arrived: a dear friend called in tears to inform me that her close companion—a South African woman named Thandi, whom I cherished first for sharing my sister's name and later as a true friend—had succumbed to injuries inflicted by her Zimbabwean partner. This followed a previous assault in late November, which I had explicitly warned him against after he violently tore out her hair.
These incidents occurred while I was relaunching my skills transfer and business development programme for young men—individuals I had mentored before my own crisis. Honouring the promise I made to them, I returned despite opportunities to relocate elsewhere.
Regrettably, a minority among my countrymen continue to tarnish the shared identity and image through which I strive to fulfil that promise—one aimed at restoring the dignity of Zimbabweans, often misunderstood over the years, and upholding the legacy of our patriotic revolutionary movement.
In this community, however, I have witnessed something profound: a spirit of inclusivity and resilience that inspires hope.
The latest tragedy nearly broke me, yet it reinforced my commitment to the promise I made—not only to those young men but to our collective future.
Authorities have acted decisively, facilitating the arrest of the individual named Tinashe for this heinous act against a vulnerable person—an act committed in our shared name but utterly alien to our character and that of our great nations. Post-mortem findings indicate multiple broken bones, pointing unmistakably toward premeditated murder.
In the spirit of transparency, I have formally notified His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe and shared relevant evidence. In my personal and representative capacity, I express confidence that our government will initiate measures to repatriate those who diminish value, erode peace, and undermine community harmony. This process aims not at punishment alone but at rehabilitation, enabling these individuals to rediscover self-control and contribute positively upon return.
As custodians of this community, I appeal to you to assist authorities in identifying such persons—not to fuel condemnation or division, but to advance healing, restore your peace, and allow us to deliver on shared promises of progress and coexistence.
With profound sorrow, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family who raised Thandi—a beloved sister and friend—and to the entire Woodstock community. I implore you: reject retribution. Just as I failed those young men in my programme by circumstances beyond control, and just as Tinashe—highly skilled in construction and potentially invaluable—failed in his fundamental duty of self-restraint, we must choose a higher path.
In observance of respect for our departed sister, Ryan's All Star Motors will suspend operations for two days, holding a moment of silence. This pause will also allow us to receive guidance from superiors and engage partners at Ubuntu Africa Holdings, emerging on Wednesday with renewed purpose, commitment, and collegiality.
Finally, I formally request the Economic Freedom Fighters to temporarily suspend defensive postures, granting space for our government to address the needs of our most distressed and vulnerable citizens abroad.
May God bless you, your families, and this great nation of South Africa.
The team at Ryan's All Star Motors extends gratitude for your enduring patience, support, and understanding.
