Xolelwa Hlalu

One of my favourite memories of Xoli is from the retreat in Meno a Kwena when she had shared so vulnerably in the days before and was sitting around the fire waiting to show her mandala drawing. She, Emily, and Shamiso were laughing hysterically about their drawings. She was so wholehearted, kind, and compassionate but so humble at the same time for all she had achieved.

Colleen Begg

I will always see you and your love and kindness reflected in every flower, dearest Xoli. Mother, daughter, sister of South Africa—you tended the gardens and communities you loved so much with your kindness and love, and the undying light that radiated from your words and actions will always remind us that grace and kindness are the very best of who we women of the Earth are. Xoli, you live forever in all our hearts.

Paola Bouley

Xoli, you were a bright light. You were brave, vulnerable and honest in sharing your experiences with us. You welcomed me with open arms and didn’t get angry when I struggled to pronounce your name. Instead, you patiently walked me through it and gave me a hug. I will always hear your voice saying - “you are deserving, you are capable, and you belong”. Thank you for seeing the good in all of us and believing in the power (light) within each and every one of us. I love you always, my sister. 

Taku Mutezo

Xoli was so open-hearted and humble. She was able to be honest about her struggles and tell it like it is to others in WE Africa. Her authenticity meant that she opened the way for others to say "me too" and build community and connection. I just loved her warmth, simplicity, and laughter. She was a leader who led with her heart and with her values.

Colleen Begg

“I choose to drop the keys for women in Africa; I choose to drop keys for young people in my continent; I choose to drop keys through my candlelight; I believe that my light shines brighter with other lights for others…” Excerpt from your graduation speech 2022. This light of yours is radiating so bright in all areas you touched. May it never be forgotten! I would never have joined WE Africa without you. For the keys you dropped, I am forever grateful. I will miss your hilarious laughter and ability to make a joke out of anything. Living “light” was your speciality…May your beautiful soul rest in peace, dear friend.

Ndumi

Xohli, you inspire me and I will always carry your passion to mentor women. It was your wish to create a legacy for women in Africa and I hope to manifest this so that we fulfill this dream of yours. 

Aaniyah Martin

Xoli….they chose you for me… you were in my life for a reason, a season and will live in my heart for a lifetime. I needed your quiet strength and easy friendship… I'll never forget the way your face lit up when talking about your children….I'm just happy that there are people walking on this earth with some of your DNA. I am grateful for you…always and forever.

Edith Alusa

I miss you. You always showed up. When I saw you on the screen or at the retreats, you made me feel safe. Thank you for always being there in your quiet, gentle, yet warrior way. I was always in awe of your courage – you led us in being vulnerable, showed us the way, showed us it was OK to share our deepest fears unspoken traumas, and carried shame. You had a light in you which healed our weary hearts, reminding us to take care, take time for ourselves, and to remember our sisters are here for us. What an honour it is to call you my sister. I will always carry you in my heart Xoli.

Belinda (Bel) Low

My sweet sister, Xoli, ironically, we never met in person, yet losing you has caused such a deep pain that cannot be expressed in words. We had plans for you to visit Canada in the coming year, not knowing you would be taken away from us too soon. I will miss our video calls talking about life. I will miss the beautiful smile on your face, the kindness in your voice, and the sincerity you bring into every encounter I have had with you. Rest well, Sister. 

Dami Pikuda

Xoli—our most precious and beloved WE sister. How we will miss you, your hope, your spark for life, and the generous love you so easily gave us. You made me feel welcome, you made me feel I belong, and you have been a big part of me finding myself and my place as a woman in Africa. Thank you, gorgeous soul. We carry you with us on our journey, and know we have your love and blessings as you have ours. 

Anna Davis

Thank you Xoli. For the light you brought. For the hope you brought. For the drive to do and be better everyday. With grace, calmness, strength. Thank you.

Fiona Moejes

Xoli, I didn't make it to Maun, so missed that wonderful opportunity to connect. But via zoom, your laughter, smile and joy were undeniable. Thank you for being you, for being a big part of our WE sisterhood and sharing yourself with us. You will be missed greatly but I trust it's not goodbye but see you later. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord!!!

Olufunto Boroffice

Dearest Xoli, I miss the flower emojis you always included in your WhatsApp messages. I miss your generous spirit. I miss your wisdom and depth. One of a kind…that is what you will always be. Rest with the angels, darling (insert a flower emoji).

Damaris Agweyu

May your soul rest in peace. I remember the time in Botswana when we could not keep it together and kept laughing about our artwork. Such a big heart and easy to love. You shall be missed.

Shamiso Winnet Mupara

Xoli… my favourite memory of you was the bus ride from Meno a Kwena camp to Maun airport. I needed a place to lay my head. You offered me your shoulder, and we ended up chatting about life. Children, parenting, generational healing. I’ll never forget it. You were always warm; you called me your little sister. I enjoyed witnessing your growth in vulnerability through the year of our fellowship. I will miss you deeply, Xoli. The way you spoke so slowly to deliver your kind messages and always snuck in a giggle. May your babies always remember you in the most beautiful way. Rest Well. Tusha… 

Chanda Mwale

Xoli, can you hear how good enough you are to bring sisters, known and unknown, from all over the continent to celebrate you… Through your smile, I could only imagine, and with the video you were so present. You said you love us; we love you back Xoli! To your kids, our kids. Sounds like you are rich with a heritage of joy, courage and love and strength and resilience and energy. Your lovely mom was a loving mom, natural, a bubbly friend, a supportive sister, an incredible woman, and a beautiful soul. One has to be impactful to make people cry from all over the globe. "There is something stronger than absence; it is the presence of the absent in the memory of the living." My condolences dear sisters. 

Balkissa Daoura

Xoli, you embraced your WE journey, as you did life and your work and purpose on this earth, with such courage. You gave your presence with such generosity and kindness. I will draw on your spirit and courage when I stand in the arenas of my life, when I face challenges, and I will remind myself of your generosity and kindness when I am with the people I love and the people whom I may find hard to love. Thank you for shining your light so warmly on this earth. Ulale kahle sisi. 

Jana Niehaus

You are one of the gentlest souls I’ve ever known, with a heart full of so much love and a light that you shared so warmly. You would make anyone and everyone feel calm and at ease in any situation, especially with your sweet laugh. You always showed up with courage regardless of what you were facing. I’m grateful to have known you and to have called you a friend, you will be dearly missed. May you forever be at peace and continue to shine brightly as a star in the night sky and within your beautiful children who I send much love and strength to.

Nafeesa Esmail

Xoli (Zoli), as I called her, because I could not do justice to the pronunciation of her beautiful African name was just an amazing, awesome, decent woman, so beautiful inside out …...
She indeed shared of herself, gave herself, gave her all… stepped out even when she felt unprepared ….
Beautiful light ….
To her children….
The bond between mother and child is unparalleled. A mother’s love is unconditional. Not only are they a shoulder to cry on, but they are also an infinite wealth of advice. We admired your mother deeply. There will be none again passing through this path, but indeed, she came and touched our lives, how much more you, her children, her family.
And to her friends, to Sibo, it cannot be okay. It will be challenging not to see Xoli—going from seeing her to knowing she lies out there—but the knowledge that her spirit lingers on; her thoughts with time will be from a point of peace, that she came, she lived, she conquered, she loved and was loved …. And the tears will then be of warmth.
The comfort of having Xoli as a dear friend may be taken away, but we pray that the memories of that friendship will endure forever.
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yeah, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee. …This divine presence is what we call on for Xoli’s children, and they will excel beyond what they can think or imagine what even their mother couldn't imagine….
May He who changest not abide with you …..
We celebrate her today; she is more with us than she was alive…. She lives on….

Nancy Githaiga

Dear Xoli, I miss your infectious smile and laugh. Your boundless, calm essence and wisdom. I so enjoyed hearing your stories and deep vulnerability. Always so authentically yourself, rooted in your truth and power, while inviting us all to honour our transparency.

You were a light to anyone that got to meet, know or love you. You always always always showed up. I will never forget the many days that life was lifin’ and yet, you’d pick up and dial in to WE calls and meetings, irrespective of if you were in a car, in a hallway in between meetings, or with family.

What an insane privilege and honour to have got to walk life beside you, thank you for forever enriching my time here, for inspiring me and so many. I will do everything to ensure that your legacy continues and I will always remember you, my dear sister. Rest well, make the angels laugh and till we meet again my beautiful Xoli.

Greta Francesca Iori