IT was a very emotional day full of fond memories.
The death of three siblings and their cousin did not only shock Alexandra residents, but the entire country.
Hundreds of Alexandra residents, family and friends packed the Thusong community hall, to celebrate their lives.
The four children died when their house caught fire on Sunday.
Their mothers locked them in the house to go drinking.
They were later arrested.
Their little classmates rendered musical items during the memorial service.
Teachers, government officials and residents celebrated Amukelani Ngubeni (2), Sandile Ngubeni (4), Nhlanhla Ngubeni (7), and Mbali Fihlani (5).
Some speakers took the opportunity to voice their rage, which was directed at local mothers.
Other speakers praised the arrested mothers, despite their actions, which led to the tragic incident.
Principal of Emfundisweni Primary School, Thembakazi Giyama said she respected grandmothers for taking care of their grandchildren when parents failed to do so.
“Young parents don’t take care of their children. They dump kids with us and never take full responsibility when called by the schools. I don’t understand young mothers these days,” she said.
Giyama said the family was not alone in their loss.
Florence Manaka, Principal at Ntokozweni Primary School said she was devastated by the incident.
“I did nothing this entire week. All I ever think about is these kids who lost their lives. We might have written deceased in the register, but we will never forget them,” she said.
Family member, Sisana Godloza said the families were still in the dark.
“We still don’t know what happened. God gives and He takes. God wanted us to meet and come together today‚ even as strangers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bongiwe Ngubeni (31) and Nelisiwe Fihlani (28) face charges of culpable homicide, child abuse, child neglect and deliberate neglect of a child.
They remain in custody after being denied bail.
