A SEA of sorrow filled the Assembly of God Church at Katlehong South in Ekurhuleni, where the memorial service for four siblings who died in a shack fire took place.
Tears flowed from pupils, parents and the mourners who attended the service co-hosted by Katlehong Primary School and Thabang Primary School on Thursday, 22 June.
Trauma and pain were visible in the eyes of the schoolmates of the four children, namely Philile Njozela(10), Lilitha Njozela (7), Ayabonga Njozela (5) Nqobile Njozela (3), who died in a shack fire with 31-year-old Ernest Moloi, who is the boyfriend of the mum of one of the kids.
Philile's best friend, Tanya Chiwutura (11), said she will miss her best friend.
"I have lost a great friend with whom we shared everything. We used to play and eat together, and now I am left alone. We used to share a desk, and now her seat will be empty all because my friend is gone," she said.
Philile's teacher Lulama Masoeu said the pupil was admitted to the school in February this year due to certain circumstances.
"I told her to make sure she collects her books before she leaves for home and made sure she finds me," Lulama said.
"She was a dedicated pupil who loved to read. We had an event at school where pupils had activities of painting, and I told the pupils to come for a photo shoot. Philile and two other kids came back, and we took a photo. That's the last photo I have with her," she said.
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Lulama said on Wednesday, 21 June, she saw the last photo they took with Philile and posed like she was in a pageant.
"The photo made me think she would be a Miss Universe one day. I'm so hurt. She was keen to learn."
Zanele Zulu, a grade R teacher, said she had the privilege of teaching Lilitha and Ayabonga and described them as joyful pupils.
The Principal of Katlehong Primary School (KPS), Ben Sidwaba, said the school is hurting, and the wounds are worsening.
Lilitha's teacher Gloria Tana said she never saw a brilliant person like him.
"If it was back then, when kids were promoted, I would be promoting Lilitha to grade 2 because of how intelligent he was," she said.
Thabang Primary School Principal Gadniel Jele said: "We have lost pupils who were determined to learn. Sadly, they died at a young age."
The funeral of the four Njozela siblings will be held on Friday, 23 June in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
