Family, friends, and the Forest High School community gathered in large numbers to honour the life of learner Litha Duba at a heartfelt memorial service held today.

@southern.courierFamily, friends, and the Forest High School community gathered in large numbers to honour the life of learner Litha Duba at a heartfelt memorial service held today. The service was filled with grief and reflection as learners, educators, community leaders, and organisations paid tribute to a young life described as kind, respectful, and full of potential.

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

The service was filled with grief and reflection as learners, educators, community leaders, and organisations paid tribute to a young life described as kind, respectful, and full of potential.

Background on Litha Duba

Litha Duba, born 17 September 2009 to his mother Thulisile Duba, grew up in Turffontein, Johannesburg. He began his schooling at Turffontein Primary School, where he laid the foundations of his learning journey before continuing his education in Grade 8 at Forest High School.

A school in mourning

Emotions ran high as classmates and teachers remembered Litha as a vibrant and active learner who made a positive impact in the classroom.

@southern.courierMessages of comfort and faith A fellow learner delivered an emotional message of comfort, encouraging those in attendance to find strength in faith. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

His Mathematics teacher, Mr Maphaha, described him as a dedicated and bright learner.

@southern.courierA school in mourning Emotions ran high as classmates and teachers remembered Litha as a vibrant and active learner who made a positive impact in the classroom. His Mathematics teacher, Mr Maphaha, described him as a dedicated and bright learner. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“He was very active in class and never gave us problems. He was brilliant and full of life. This is very painful for all of us,” he said.

Mr Molope from the school management also expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging the impact of his passing on the entire school.

@southern.courierMr Mokone form the School Management also expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging the impact of his passing on the entire school. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“We mourn with you and want you to know you are not alone. His classmates, teachers, and everyone who knew him are grieving together,” said a member of the School Management Team.

Messages of comfort and faith

A fellow learner delivered an emotional message of comfort, encouraging those in attendance to find strength in faith.

“He is no longer in pain and is in a better place. We pray that the Holy Spirit brings comfort to the family during this difficult time,” the learner said.

@southern.courierPastor Hazel Mohlala also shared a message of reflection, encouraging the community to seek healing and strength during this time of loss. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Pastor Hazel Mohlala also shared a message of reflection, encouraging the community to seek healing and strength during this time of loss.

Calls for unity and action

Speakers used the platform to call for unity within the community and to address ongoing challenges affecting learners.

School principal Shaffy Stevens urged the community to stand together and confront violence.

@southern.courierCalls for unity and action Speakers used the platform to call for unity within the community and to address ongoing challenges affecting learners. School principal Shaffy Stevens urged the community to stand together and confront violence. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“We do not want this young man’s death to be in vain. As a community, we must come together and address the challenges affecting our children. Violence will not solve our problems,” said Stevens.

He also thanked community leaders and organisations for their support during what he described as a difficult week for the school.

A representative from Women for Change highlighted concerns around bullying and violence among learners, calling for stronger action and accountability.

@southern.courierA representative from Women for Change highlighted concerns around bullying and violence among learners, calling for stronger action and accountability. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“Enough is enough. Learners must report incidents, and the community must work together to create a safer environment,” the representative said.

SGB chairperson urges reflection and responsibility

SGB chairperson Mr Green addressed the memorial gathering, expressing his sorrow and calling on the community to take responsibility for the safety of learners.

@southern.courierSGB chairperson urges reflection and responsibility SGB chairperson Mr Green addressed the memorial gathering, expressing his sorrow and calling on the community to take responsibility for the safety of learners. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“It cannot be that we stand by and do nothing. We must speak about this and ensure it does not happen again,” he said.

“Our children must be protected, and as a community, we all have a role to play. Let us honour Litha’s life by ensuring such tragedies never happen again.”

Ward 124 councillor calls for unity and shared responsibility

Ward 124 councillor Mongameli Mnyameni addressed the memorial gathering, urging the community to unite and support both learners and educators.

@southern.courierWard 124 councillor calls for unity and shared responsibility Ward 124 councillor Mongameli Mnyameni addressed the memorial gathering, urging the community to unite and support both learners and educators. Clr Mnyameni acknowledged the pain of losing a young life and emphasised that the safety of all children is a shared responsibility. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Clr Mnyameni acknowledged the pain of losing a young life and emphasised that the safety of all children is a shared responsibility.

“We must recognise the good work being done by our educators and support them,” he said.

“In difficult times, teachers should not be unfairly blamed but supported by parents and the wider community. Every child here is our child. We must come together as a family and ensure that incidents like this never happen again. This tragedy is not about race, it is not Coloureds against Black people, or the other way around. It is about protecting our children and keeping them safe.”

Family expresses gratitude and calls for prayer

The Duba family expressed their gratitude to the school and community for the support they have received during this difficult time.

The family emphasised that revenge is not the answer, calling instead for unity, prayer, and healing.

@southern.courierFamily expresses gratitude and calls for prayer The Duba family expressed their gratitude to the school and community for the support they have received during this difficult time. The family emphasised that revenge is not the answer, calling instead for unity, prayer, and healing. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“God is alive and will help us through this tragedy. We urge everyone to turn to prayer and seek strength during this time,” the family shared.

They also raised concern about challenges affecting young people, including the presence of drugs and alcohol, and called on the community to play an active role in guiding and protecting learners.

Final journey to the Eastern Cape

The family confirmed that Litha’s body will be transported to Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape on April 2.

@southern.courierFinal journey to the Eastern Cape The family confirmed that Litha’s body will be transported to Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape on April 2. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

He will be laid to rest on April 4, where he will join his forefathers and grandparents.

Background to the tragedy

Litha’s death has sent shockwaves through the Turffontein community.

According to previous reports, the Forest High learner succumbed to his injuries following an alleged violent incident involving fellow learners. The incident has raised serious concerns about learner safety, violence, and bullying within and around schools.

The tragedy has sparked ongoing conversations among community members, parents, and organisations about the urgent need to protect learners and create safer school environments.

A life remembered

Litha is remembered as a respectful and well-loved learner who touched the lives of many at Forest High.

The large turnout at the memorial service reflected the impact he had on those around him and the deep sense of loss felt by the community.

@southern.courierIn a heartfelt moment at the memorial, Mr Mkhize read a tribute to Litha Duba, honouring his life and legacy while offering words of comfort and reflection to the grieving community. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

As the school and community continue to mourn, messages of support and calls for change remain at the forefront, with many hoping that his passing will lead to greater awareness and action.