Hoërskool Birchleigh remembers Malatswa and Kamsi

The community, family, friends, learners and staff at Hoërskool Birchleigh are mourning the loss of the two learners who allegedly drowned at a Durban beach.

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The incident is alleged to have occurred while learners were attending a school trip to take part in a rugby tournament.

“On Sunday morning, the learners and several teachers went swimming at a Durban North beach, where some learners were reportedly assisted to shore by lifeguards after experiencing challenges in the water,” the Gauteng Department of Education said in a statement released on March 28.

“After a headcount, it was realised two learners were missing. Learners were accompanied back to their accommodation while the teachers searched the vicinity for the missing learners.

“The search went on until the evening with no success, after which the educators opened missing person’s cases at Durban Central Police Station.”

On March 29, the educators were informed the bodies of the two missing learners were discovered somewhat 2km north of the beach from where they went swimming the previous day.

“Police are investigating circumstances surrounding the incident. The deceased learners, Malatswa Kgasago and Kamsi Ezeugo, are from Kempton Park and Thembisa respectively.”

Malatswa, from Maokeng, Thembisa, was a Grade 12 learner and the school’s deputy head boy.

According to the family representative, Calvin Thobejane, the family was notified their son was missing on Sunday.

“The family was informed that two boys were missing and that one of them was Malatswa,” said Thobejane.

“On Monday morning, the family was informed about the bodies found and that one of them was Malatswa. We went on Tuesday to identify the body and, indeed, it was our boy.”

Thobejane said the family was left devastated.

“Sadly, he lost his life in the ocean,” said Thobejane.

“We can’t believe he truly is gone. We are all hurt and his parents are not in a good state, as they truly are disturbed by all of this.

“We have people who are supporting us and are truly grateful for it. Malatswa was an amazing boy who was active and bright, doing well at school.

“He was tall, like all of us in the family, and was a free and talkative person. He took his role as a deputy serious and was helpful to those around him and didn’t want a child to not be well while he was around. Everyone at school knew him.”

Thobejane told Express Malatswa would have celebrated his birthday on Sunday.

“Malatswa was born on April 10 and he would have been turning 18. We could have been buying him a cake and organising a celebration for him on Sunday but are planning for his funeral on Saturday. This truly is a lot to take in.”

Malatswa and Kamsi were well known and loved. Kamsi was in Grade 10 and an Edleen resident.

“Kamsi was humble, peaceful, loving and loved everybody,” said his mother, Nelly Makuba.

“A lot of people are crying for him because he was everybody’s child.”

Nelly said she didn’t sleep the night she was informed of Kamsi’s disappearance.

“When the coach called me on Sunday, I was puzzled and prayed for his safety. I didn’t sleep that night, waiting for good news that he was found and alive, but, unfortunately, I received the worst news on Monday,” said Nelly.

“Kamsi was active and involved himself in sports. He was the deputy head boy at his primary school and captain of the soccer team. People at school knew me because of him. I received a lot of positive messages from a lot of people, even children from others schools.

“There are a lot of people visiting and showing their support, and I realise just how loved my boy was. I realise I was with an angel. I am proud of him and to be his mother.

“Kamsi is not dead, he is still alive. He is in me and will continue to live in me.”

Kamsi was also born in April and would have been turning 16 on April 13.

Nelly said Kamsi was her only child until she gave birth to another child, now one month and two weeks old.

“Kamsi was happy to have a baby brother. He was helpful with him and always gave him kisses,” reminisced Nelly.

“Even before he left for the tournament, he kissed his baby brother and said he would miss him. Little did we know it was the last time. It still feels like a dream, I can’t stop crying for my boy. I am shattered and heartbroken, but God will help me heal.

“I will miss everything about him. He was a stylish boy who always looked good even when going to school. I will miss his charming smile, dimples and companionship because he was my everything. It was just him and I for a long time.

“I love him and so does his baby brother. His memory will never die. I will always love him.”

Express was informed of a memorial service that would be held for Malatswa and Kamsi on April 6 at their school.
According to Thobejane, Malatswa’s funeral service will be on April 9.

“The service will be at the Revelation of Christ Church in Midrand at 07:00. We will then proceed to the Waterfall Cemetery around 09:30,” said Thobejane.

Nelly told Express on April 4 no funeral arrangements were in place as yet.

“In our culture, this matter is taboo. We are waiting for our elderly family member from Nigeria to perform a ritual before taking the body home to Nigeria, where Kamsi will be buried,” Nelly said.

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