2 Pretoria schools plunged into mourning as principals succumb to Covid-19

Covid-19 has claimed the lives of two Pretoria schools headmasters.

Much-loved Pretoria West primary school principal George Henry Parker died on New Year’s eve after fighting coronavirus.

The head of Laerskool Generaal Beyers died a few days after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

Staff and learners of the school greeted their headmaster on Tuesday, 15 December, not knowing it would be the last.

Parker was the head of the school for seven years.

Laerskool Generaal Beyers created a post on social media to pay tribute to him.

“His quick footsteps, clear laugh, soft, calm voice in good and difficult times, are quiet. His sharp sense of humour and quips when things were tough are still hearable in our ears. He had an exceptional vision for the staff and learners. He motivated and inspired us, sometimes reprimanded us and brought renewal to the school. The learners and staff were his passion. He had compassion to those who suffered.

“Few headmasters knew learners’ names the way he did. He took the school’s academic performance to the highest growth and believed in restorative discipline. We were part of all of this.

“We are deeply saddened by his passing. His spirit on the school grounds will be with us every day and we believe that with God’s strength we will be able to live his legacy in our school and parent community. We pray that the Lord will comfort and bless the Parker family so that they will be able to cherish their beautiful memories. We greet you today sir, rest in peace, general. You will be terribly missed, but will always be remembered,” it read.

Another headmaster of Pretoria east school Maragon Mooikloof, Chris Zaayman (56) passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, due to Covid-19.

He was admitted to hospital on Friday, and was transferred to the intensive care unit on Sunday.

Former Maragon deputy head Elsabé Bester said that Zaayman believed in raising leaders that would impact the future.

“He was a legend. He was an incredible principal as he showed sympathy and listened and that is what made him an excellent leader,” she said.

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