Mourners share tears and treasured memories as Midrand Montessori honours beloved teacher and her children
Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at Midrand Montessori High School to celebrate the lives of former teacher Lebo Xolwana and her three children, weeks after the family was found shot dead at their Eastern Cape home.
Family members, friends, former colleagues, learners, and members of the Midrand community gathered at Midrand Montessori High School on August 6 to celebrate the lives of former teacher Lebo Xolwana and her three children, Buntukazi (16), Lwando (12), and Nande (4), during an emotional memorial service.
The gathering honoured the family with heartfelt tributes, prayers, and memories, as mourners reflected on the lasting impact they had on those who knew them.
The family, together with the children’s father, were found dead at their home in the Mfundisweni Administrative Area near Flagstaff on July 10.
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Police are investigating the deaths through an ongoing investigation and have indicated they suspect the incident may have involved a domestic murder followed by suicide. However, the motive has not yet been confirmed.
The memorial service was led by bishop Sakhile Masombuka, while Midrand Montessori principal Sian Jackson-Morkel, Michole Jackson-Morkel, and family representative Fatima Selane delivered moving tributes celebrating Xolwana’s life and legacy.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Selane urged mourners to remember not the tragedy, but the remarkable woman they had lost. “For the past few weeks, we’ve spoken so much about what happened. Today, I want us to reflect on what we have lost.
“We have lost a daughter, a sister, a mother, a friend, a colleague, and a granddaughter, whom we loved dearly. Lebo was a gentle soul who brought peace wherever she went. She didn’t need attention to make an impact. She made people feel seen, safe, and at home.”
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Selane described Xolwana as someone who loved her family wholeheartedly and showed that love through simple acts of kindness.
“One lesson I will carry with me is to love people more gently because of Lebo. Grief has reminded me how fragile life is. We don’t always get another tomorrow. If we want to honour Lebo, let us honour her by loving our families deeply, choosing kindness, making peace whenever we can, and never taking the people we love for granted.”
She also shared treasured memories of each of the children. “I still struggle with how young Buntu, Lwando, and Nande were. I would have loved to see Lwando grow into the football player he dreamed of becoming because he loved football.
“Nande’s cheerful voice still echoes in my mind. She was mischievous, full of life, and always had something to say. Buntu was such a gentle soul. One of our last conversations was about boys as she was beginning that stage of her life. She was discovering music, dance, and becoming her own independent person.”
Selane thanked the school’s staff for embracing the family over the years and said the memories they shared would remain forever.
Sian reflected on the day she first met Xolwana during an interview. “I fell in love with her immediately. She had spunk and spice, and I knew she would be an incredible asset to our school.”
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She recalled how Xolwana joined the school’s toddler centre, while caring for six-month-old Lwando, before later moving into the primary school, where she quickly earned a reputation as an exceptional educator.
“She never stopped studying. She was one of the most inspirational, dedicated teachers I’ve ever worked with. She was passionate about education, a trusted colleague, and a wonderful friend.”
Sian smiled through tears as she remembered Xolwana’s sense of humour, and the day she announced she was expecting her youngest daughter, Nande.
“She always came into my office with a solution, never a problem. One day, she sat down and I asked, ‘You’re pregnant, aren’t you?’. She smiled and replied, ‘Yes, Boss Lady’. We shared that journey with her throughout her pregnancy.”
Throughout the service, tears flowed as speakers remembered Xolwana’s warmth, dedication to education, unwavering love for her children, and the joy each of the three youngsters brought to those around them.
Grab a copy of the Midrand Reporter to read more about the touching memorial service and the heartfelt tributes celebrating the lives of Lebo Xolwana and her three children.
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