‘Your smile will be greatly missed’ – Sue Altenroxel
Lesedi Makgato (23), a past learner of Mitchell House Enrichment Centre died on Sunday morning after suffering a seizure.
POLOKWANE- “We have lost such a genuine soul.”
These were Sue Altenroxel’s words about the loss of 23-year-old Makgato. Lesedi, a past learner of Mitchell House Enrichment Centre, who died on Sunday morning after suffering a seizure, was known for his bubbly personality, friendly demeanour and his warm smile.
He wasn’t just well known at the enrichment centre but throughout the rest of the school as well. Makgato started school at Mitchell House in 2006 and Altenroxel, who taught him, said he broke the barriers between normal and disabled children and he was loved by many. “He paved the way for Mitchell House’s success,” she said.
Makgato was part of both the enrichment centre as well as the mainstream classes with the other learners, and also did Gr 10 maths literacy.
“He was an intelligent boy and although it took him longer to do tests and assignments, he still did them and did them well,” Altenroxel said. When asked to describe his personality, she said he was cheeky, quick witted and someone who loved to laugh.
Makgato was also known for his love of music. A big Westlife fan, his aspiration was to become a deejay, naming himself DJ Quatro, and share his passion for music with other people. Being as popular as he was, Jacaranda FM sponsored him with a laptop and external hard drive full of music, which allowed him to do some gigs in and around Polokwane, as well as functions at the school.
If his deejay career didn’t take off, Makgato would have liked to be a motivational speaker to inspire others through his life story.
Having lost both his parents in a car accident last June, Makgato lived at Centenary Home where his friendly demeanour allowed him to make many friends. Social worker at the home, Maria Stone, had the following message: “The personnel and residents of Centenary House mourn the loss of our beloved Lesedi Makgato.
He was very happy during his short stay at Centenary House. We hope he is happy, running around and dancing where he is now. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
Many messages poured in for Makgato from all over Polokwane and around the world from students and peers to say how saddened they are over his passing.
Amanda vos Goeminne, who also taught him, said he taught her so much.
“He had a quick mind and a great sense of humour.”
She said she will celebrate his life as she owes him that.
