Matric learner Thandolwethu Moagi was finally laid to rest after passing away while in school in Vosloorus.
“If this was God’s will, it’s okay. But if it was handmade, we as a family will pray for that person.”
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Those painful words echoed through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, as Aaron Sekulane stood before mourners to bid farewell to his beloved niece, Thandolwethu Moagi, on Saturday, 14 February.
His voice trembled as he spoke about the unbearable loss.
“We send our children to school and leave them in the hands and care of teachers.
“But we are shocked and left with many unanswered questions as to why the school failed to help our child when she fell ill inside the school premises,” he said.
The family’s grief is heavy. Aaron described the past week as rough and deeply painful.
“As a family, we are not strong. We can say it is God’s will, but in our hearts, we will forever feel it was not God’s will,” he said.
“We will raise our hands and pray for whoever has done this, because the death of Thandolwethu has affected the family and the community at large.”
The seventeen-year-old Thandolwethu, a grade 12 pupil at Vosloorus Compressive Secondary School, had big dreams.
She wanted to become a doctor.
Family member Mthutuzeli Lumata said she had already begun seeking guidance from her cousin, Dr Lumata, about medical school.
“She wanted to be a doctor, but her dream has been shattered.
“What pains us most is that teachers failed to assist her. We heard that one of them was informed about her condition, but they turned a blind eye and did not even try to call an ambulance,” he said.
Priscilla Mashego described her granddaughter, Thandolwethu, as a bright, determined, and compassionate young woman who was always eager to help others.
“She worked tirelessly toward her academic goals. We were all looking forward to seeing her complete matric and pursue her dream of studying medicine.
“We were excited to have a doctor in our family. Sadly, that dream will never be realised because our shining girl’s life was cut short. I am shattered. We were so hopeful to see her achieve everything she worked so hard for,” she said.
She added that Thandolwethu’s death has left a family shattered, a community wounded, and a dream of healing others forever unfulfilled.
On 4 February, Thandolwethu reportedly complained of severe headaches while at school. She was later found lying on the floor, foam coming from her mouth, surrounded by friends.
She was taken to J Dumane Clinic in Vosloorus, where she tragically passed away.
Her uncle, Kaugelo Moagi, said the family believes the tragedy was worsened by negligence.
“We feel the school failed. They did not follow occupational health and safety procedures or take proper risk measures to save her life,” he said.
“When we leave our children at school, we entrust them to teachers, and they failed her, leading to this devastating loss.”
He further alleged that the school informed pupils of Thandolwethu’s death before notifying the family, deepening their pain.
Mourners sing during the funeral of Thandolwethu Moagi. Photo by Happy Mnguni
Her sudden passing has left classmates devastated and sparked anger among community members demanding accountability.
Parents have raised concerns about whether schools are properly equipped to respond to medical emergencies and whether urgent care protocols are in place.
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The Gauteng Department of Education spokesman, Steve Mabona, confirmed: “We have launched an investigation into this matter.”
Thandolwethu was laid to rest at Thomas Titus Nkobi Memorial Park, also known as South Park Cemetery, in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
