SHARPEVILLE. – Hundreds of mourners gathered on Wednesday, May 22 to celebrate the life of Stella Skosana, a beloved teacher at Thuto-Lore Comprehensive School.
The 34-year-old mother of three was allegedly killed by her lover following a domestic dispute.
Her charred body was later found dumped in an open field near Dlomo Dam in Sharpeville meters away from her home.
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While dozens packed the Roda Yende Community Hall during a memorial, colleagues, friends, family, and fellow pupils commemorated the life well lived of Stella in hymns that revibrated the hall.
As many who witnessed the teacher’s fond heart and those who knew her spoke highly of the ‘goodhearted’ Skosana, colleagues described her as a lover of life and music.
Thabo Lehobo, Principal at the school detailed how Skosana changed the facet of the school since her arrival as a student teacher in 2010.
“When Stella arrived at the school with 19 other student teachers doing their practicals, many legendary educators idolized her. I always wondered why she was different from all the others, but her dedication differentiated her. I was in denial of her passing but one must make peace that she is gone. We have lost as the school,” he said.
Lehobo described Stella as an individual who loved music and brought dozens of trophies for the school.
“I was checking the trophy cabinet at our schools. Out of about 40-something trophies, I realised 38 belonged to her, that showed how devoted she was in her career,” he said
A candle-lighting ceremony was performed during the memorial service by her fellow union members, while many couldn’t help but hold back their tears as speakers embraced the murdered teacher.
Popular spiritual motivational speaker Dr. Pinky Nkabinde rehearsed her message to young people to focus on education rather than relationships.
“Stella is the third woman to be brutally murdered in the hands of a lover. Young boys and girls, focus on your studies and refrain from relationships that will end up taking your lives,” she said.
Revisiting her emotional ordeal, Nkabinde said she was also a victim of rape.
“My virginity was brutally taken from me by a man who raped me several times until I collapsed during the monstrous doing. I collapsed during the ordeal, and when I woke up, the monster was still at it. I am part of those who were once violated,” she said.
Stella will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 25 at Rhoda Yende Community Hall.
