On March 25, Lwazi Motuse (8), a Grade Three learner at Lerutle Primary School, Daveyton, told his mom he wouldn’t be going to school the next day.

Although resolute in his decision, the young learner still went about his daily routine of washing his school uniform, settling into bed, rising the next morning, and making his way to school for the second last day of the first term.

That would be the last time his mother, Palesa Molefe, would wave her enthusiastic son off to school.

On March 26, Lwazi and six other learners sustained serious injuries when a wall on the school premises collapsed during break time.

“Swift response from emergency personnel led to the children receiving medical attention on the scene, before being transported to various medical facilities for further treatment,” said Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona.

“Tragically, Lwazi later succumbed to his injuries.”

On March 30, during a visit to the bereaved family, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, expressed his condolences and pledged support to the young learner’s devastated mother.

In light of the seriousness of the incident, he said an independent investigation will be launched to establish the full circumstances.

Reflecting on the loss of her child, Lwazi’s mother said that it feels like she is stuck in a dream.

“My son loved school as well as learning. He could read books written for Grade Six learners,” she said.

“Even during school holidays, he wanted to go to school. I cannot express the pain I am feeling from losing him – my heart will never heal from this.”

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