Family, friends, residents and school representatives gathered on Thursday, 21 August, to bid a tearful farewell to Tshepo Tshabalala (16), who was laid to rest following his tragic death.
Tshepo, who was a grade 8 pupil at Senzangakhona Secondary School, was stabbed and killed outside the schoolyard, allegedly by a 15-year-old pupil on Thursday, 14 August.
The funeral service, held in KwaMhlanga, was filled with sorrow as mourners described Tshepo as a respectful young man whose life was cut short too soon.
His grieving dad Sifiso Tshabalala (41) said: “We are trying to stand up strong and face the situation. I’m heartbroken for losing my son. He was my friend.”
His uncle, Oupa Moloi (52), said the family was still traumatised and struggling to cope.
“Our hearts are very sore. What happened has happened. We will leave it to God. His gogo, Johanna Tshabalala (65), is too weak,” he said.
Residents and school leaders also shared messages of comfort.
Ziphozonke Nzama, a neighbour, remembered Tshepo as a good young man who was respectful even in his last days.
Sabina Molewa, principal of Motoaneng Primary School, told the family: “Your tears will be wiped by God. We are heartbroken as a school.”
Tshepo’s friends, Thabiso Mashishi (16) and Sipho Nkosi (17), promised to continue supporting his gogo.
“We will keep visiting gogo Johanna as we did with our friend,” they said.
Winners Chapel church member Cynthia Hadebe encouraged the family to hold on to their faith.
“May gogo and the community get healed,” she said.
The service also heard a strong appeal against violence. Collen Poto, principal of Ndzundza Mabhoko Secondary School, urged pupils not to seek revenge.
“Stay away from revenge, kids. Let God fight your battles,” he said.
Patrick Ndala, chairman of the school governing body, reflected on the tragedy.
“Although Tshepo is gone, his name will remain. In the past, children buried their parents, but today things have changed.”
Tshepo’s passing has left the community shaken, with many calling for justice.
