A well-known saying holds that the value of life is not measured by its length, but by the depth of the love it leaves behind. For the family, friends and community of four-year-old Gabriel Sbonguthando Aaqila Nkosi, his brief journey on earth brought extraordinary joy.

Affectionately known as Gabby, the young boy was laid to rest June 4, following a devastating incident that has left the Lowveld community mourning alongside his family. The funeral was held at the Church on the Hill Mbombela in KaMagugu.

The tragedy occurred on May 31, when Gabriel’s parents were away attending a business meeting. Gabriel, the youngest of four siblings, was at home under the care of the family’s helper. He slipped outside unnoticed shortly after asking for a cup of tea.

Moments later, he was discovered at the bottom of the swimming pool by his older brother. The family’s home instantly became a scene of frantic efforts as the children called on neighbours for urgent assistance.

Emergency medical services were called to the scene, and paramedics attempted to resuscitate him in the ambulance en route to the hospital. Unfortunately, Gabriel was declared dead on arrival.

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Gabriel’s mother, Nompumelelo, said her son was born into a challenging season for the family but was a child of promise. True to his biblical namesake, the angel Gabriel, he arrived as a messenger of hope and healing.

She said his infectious laughter restored peace, and his courage and confidence gave his parents daily assurance of his potential.

”I remember a Hebrew gentleman approached me when I was about four months pregnant with him, and he said, ‘You are pregnant with a boy. Please give him the name Gabriel, for he will be your angel.’ My baby became just that – an angel. And God truly became our strength from that year to this day,” she said.

”These past days since his passing have made me realise that his life was larger than all of us. Watching in awe the impact he has made in our family, our church, his school, my friends, and all who knew him has made me realise that he was not born for us alone, but for a wider community of people who loved and cherished him,” she said.

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His send-off was attended by many, including his friends and school community from Curro Nelspruit.

A close family friend, Fortunate Nkosi, wished them strength.

”While they navigate unimaginable grief, may they choose to hold fast to the profound legacy Gabriel leaves behind: a legacy of unwavering peace, radiant joy, and a love that touched countless hearts across the Lowveld. Even in a short time at Curro Nelspruit, he made his grade a brighter place, leaving an impression his educators will not soon forget,” she said.