Beloved teacher injured in car accident
La Salle College teacher Cecilia Hartzenberg is waiting to hear her fate after suffering a fractured back in a horrific car crash.
Learners and teachers of La Salle College are in shock following a horrific car accident that resulted in beloved teacher, Cecilia Hartzenberg, being seriously injured.
According to Hartzenberg, who is currently in ICU in a local hospital, the accident occurred at the corners of Sonop Street and Ontdekkers Road when another driver sped across a red traffic light, ramming into her car, causing it to roll over twice.
“I am just thankful that my children were not in the car with me,” says Hartzenberg, who suffered a fractured back, and a brain bleed in the accident. The offending driver did not suffer any injuries.
Hartzenberg says she is experiencing a lot of pain but is otherwise Ok.
• Also read: Local teacher makes the top 10
“It is still early days and doctors cannot at this stage, say too much regarding the extent of the injury and what the healing process is likely to be, but they are hopeful that with lots of rest, I will make a full recovery.”
Hartzenberg was nominated as one of the top high school teachers in South Africa and made it to the top 10 in the AfriForum Teacher of the Year Awards.
“I am extremely grateful to the bystanders who came to my assistance, helping me until the ambulance arrived,” she says, adding that some taxi drivers rushed to her aid, freeing her from her vehicle, and an employee from a nearby bed shop, who applied first aid while waiting for first responders.
Hartzenberg says she is well looked after at the hospital, but that she misses her husband, her children, and her learners.
Even from her sickbed, her thoughts are with her learners as they prepare for the upcoming exams.
“As you approach your exams, I want to express how proud I am of each of you. This year has been challenging, and I know many of you have been working hard to prepare.
“Though I’m not with you in person right now, my thoughts and encouragement are with you. Remember to believe in yourselves, stay calm, and give your best effort. You mean so much more than any mark on a paper and each one of you is special.
“Take care of yourselves and support one another during this time. I’m looking forward to celebrating your achievements soon.”
