'Pastry Princess' Thembekile Letlape remembered for her love

Hundreds gather at her funeral service at Bryanston Methodist Church

07 June 2024 - 14:00
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Thembekile Letlape 's godmother Gretchen Sebati had a few touching words to share with those who attended the chef's funeral service in Sandton. Picture: Kabelo Mokoena
Funeral Thembekile Letlape 's godmother Gretchen Sebati had a few touching words to share with those who attended the chef's funeral service in Sandton. Picture: Kabelo Mokoena
Image: Picture: Kabelo Mokoena/Sunday Times

The late Thembekile Letlape, known as The Pastry Princess, was described on Friday by friends and family as a loving, kind and caring person whose presence made the world a better place.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Bryanston Methodist Church in Johannesburg on Friday to mourn the murdered celebrity chef at her funeral service, which was attended by former deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba.

Brian Rampete, a cousin of Thembi, as she was affectionately known, said she spoke many languages as she grew up in Soweto in a diverse environment.

“She could have four languages in one sentence," Rampete said.

Letlape's body was found in the home of her boyfriend, Sibusiso Zitha, on May 30.

The celebrity chef made a name for herself after being retrenched in 2014 as an investment banker. This led her to enrol for a diploma in food preparation and cooking.

Final goodbyes were said at the Bryanston Methodist Church in Sandton to bid farewell to celebrity chef Thembekile Letlape who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend.
Funeral Final goodbyes were said at the Bryanston Methodist Church in Sandton to bid farewell to celebrity chef Thembekile Letlape who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend.
Image: Kabelo Mokoena/Sunday Times

Specialising in patisserie, or sweet delicacies, Letlape, 38, opened a bespoke baking business, The Pastry Princess, and made a household name for herself.

Her father, Dr Kgosi Letlape, found her body at the Fourways home of her boyfriend, who has been arrested. He had gone to the property after his daughter sent a distressing text message to a family member.

Zitha, 40, appeared in the Randburg magistrate's court on Monday and was charged with Letlape's murder.

Rampete recalled how she had asked him for help just over a year ago.

“Last year in March she said she wanted to see me. We chatted for about an hour with her saying I am failing her as a big brother. She said 'come closer to me, I need you'. It was a shock. We talked. She was such a beautiful soul.” .

Rampete said he spoke to the man accused of killing Letlape only once.

“I told him I understand you are in a relationship with our sister. I told him the family of Letlape is good. I told him I am the only one who is not right because I am not a Letlape. That was the first and last time I spoke to him.”

During the funeral, ushers distributed purple scarves to mourners, Letlape's favourite colour.

Speakers took turns detailing her love for children and everyone around her. There was also a moment to sing Manchester United's song, a team Letlape supported.

TimesLIVE


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.