The walls of Grace Bible Church in Carletonville became testament to the tears and cries of pain on Tuesday, 16 July 2024 from the loss of eleven young souls who died after a tragic private scholar transport accident.
Family, friends, community members and Gauteng education MEC, Matome Chiloane gathered in grief at the memorial service of the 10 deceased learners from Rocklands Primary School and 1 from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville.
“Even in circumstances like this, He is still God” said Sammy Setlare who spoke on behalf of the Mankofu and Setlare families as he extended his condolences. Setlare described one of the deceased learners, Junior Mankofu as a handsome dimpled boy who always cheerfully smiled.
Omamele Thapelo (Hear our prayers) was the hymn ministered by Carleton Jones Choir preceding a representative of The National Professional Teacher’s Organization of South Africa (NAPTOSA) who emphasized the union’s support and prayers which go to not only the bereaved families but teachers and learners too.
“It is sad that a man who lost a wife is referred to as a widower, a woman who lost a husband is referred to as a widow, a child who has lost parents is referred to as an orphan, but to date there is no term that begins to describe a parent who has lost a child, the agony is indescribable,” said the union’s representative.
“As we have come together in this time of grief and remembrance, may we find solace in the words of the scripture, draw strength from the eternal truth and promises told”, these were the utterances of Gauteng MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation – Matome Chiloane.
Chiloane said that in times of deep sorrow and inexplicable loss such as this, it is difficult for families to make sense of the tragedy, “however the education department will continue to provide support to the schools and families during this period,” he added
The MEC concluded by stating that in this tough period of seeking answers, the bereaved family and friends can always turn to the Bible for comfort quoting the book of Revelations 21:4.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”