SIPHAMANDLA’S dream of becoming a teacher and making a lot of money to help his dad may never happen.
Siphamandla Tembe (17) was swept away by strong waves at Jabula Beach in St Lucia, Mtubatuba, northern KZN during a family outing on Tuesday.
The ongoing search for the boy has not been successful and his family are losing hope that he is still alive.
Siphamandla’s dad, Zakhe Tembe (49) from KwaMsane, Mtubatuba, said his son drowned before finding out he’d passed grade 11.
“He was going to be in matric in 2017. I have no hope my son is still alive,” he said.
This sad dad was called to the beach by family members who were with Siphamandla.
“I have made peace that he is dead by now. I saw sharks in the sea where he went missing. I’m praying we will find his body, or at least part of it,” said Tembe.
Tembe added his son worked hard preparing for his exams. “But now he won’t see the fruit of his hard work.
“He always told me one day he will do big things for me in thanks for not abandoning them after their mother died in 2013.”
This dad and son spent most of their time together.
“He always told me one day he will grow up and be a man like me who loves his kids.”
Siphamandla’s brother Qiniso Tembe (22) said they were in the sea together when his brother disappeared.
“This is still fresh and so traumatising, I can’t talk about it,” he cried.
KZN police spokeswoman Colonel Thembeka Mbhele confirmed the 17-year-old boy is still missing.
“The Empangeni Search and Rescue Team and the Air Wing Team from Durban are searching from Durban towards Sodwana Beach,” said Mbhele.
