Pupils remembered for smiles and hugs

Five Mitchell’s Plain primary school communities bid farewell to their pupils who died in a vehicle accident on AZ Berman Drive, opposite Liberty Promenade Shopping centre last week.

Metro South Education District (MSED) hosted a memorial service at West End Primary School, in Lentegeur, yesterday, Tuesday June 6.

Family members of Wespoort Primary School pupil Katlego Banga, Ridgeville Primary School pupil Rehema Eiman, Highlands Primary School pupil Lwethu McKerry, Harvester Primary School pupil Linathi Madalana, and Duneside Primary School pupil Lelam Betiwe, received flowers and photographs in their honour.

Neighbouring schools also attended and paid tribute to their neighbours’ children who had died.

Education MEC David Maynier, Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie, local councillors, district officials and representatives from each of the schools, including pupils, teachers and principals were present.

The service included a lighting of candles by each of the principals, song, dance and a poem from pupils who paid tribute to their school mates.

Teachers and family members shared stories of the smiles, hugs, and quirks they would forever remember of the children.

Those present were asked to switch off their phones to respect the dignity of the memorial service.

Throughout the week various community groups and representatives have been hosting services and paying tribute with the releasing of balloons, doves and placing a memorial cross at the accident scene on the island on AZ Berman Drive.