Katlego was the sixth child who was unfortunate to die from food poisoning in Naledi, Soweto.
“Katlego fought till the end”, These were the words of Talitha Tshirangwana, a Grade 1 teacher at Karabo Primary School in Naledi, Soweto.
She spoke at the funeral service of Katlego Olifant (7), the sixth Naledi pupil who died of suspected food poisoning.
The service, held at the Naledi Community Hall in Soweto on Sunday, 20 October, saw friends, family, and pupils gather to bid farewell to Katlego.
Emotions were high as Katlego’s mother continuously burst into tears and was comforted by her family.
Pupils sang to bid their classmate goodbye while the church choir lifted the spirits of the mourners with soothing songs.
Talitha said that having to bury one of her pupils was a painful moment she could not bear.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to my beloved and sweet Katlego. He was a sweet boy, a well-mannered son, and a generous giver who shared cheerfully.
“Katlego fought a pain we cannot imagine, but God, being God, saw that Katlego needed rest and called him to have eternal life without pain. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Another painful tribute came from the Karabo Primary School Principal, Rose Tshivhase, who, upon giving her speech, was emotional and wept.
“All the words I have for today are “all is well with my soul” for all the four pupils we have lost in our school,” she said.
Katlego died on 13 October after fighting for his life in ICU.
His death was announced during the funeral service of his five friends, who also died of the alleged poisoning. Katlego had fought for almost seven days.
In a letter to her son, which was read out, Lydia Olifant expressed her pain.
“My son was here for just a moment, like a nighttime shooting star. I will forever cherish the moments we shared together. Robala ka kgotso, mfanaka,” her message read.
