Realogile Secondary School has been struck by yet another death less than a year after the loss of two teachers and two pupils on separate occasions.
The latest is that of the school secretary Dumazile Ndebele who collapsed and died at her home on 31 January. She will be laid to rest on 7 February.
Ndebele’s death follows that of teacher Joseph Makunye and principal Dumisani Mbatha who passed away mid last year from ill health, and the pupils who are said to have died of injuries in September and October last year.
Deputy principal Dingaan Kubheka, who joined the school in 1995 a year after Ndebele, said her 31-year tenure at Realogile was exemplary through her dedication to administration and management duties. “Although she was a reserved person, we regarded Ndebele as our institutional memory and a shoulder to cry on. She provided wise counsel to colleagues and students.” He said her death left everyone worried of who would be next. “Maybe the school needs some cleansing.”
School principal Joe Mashitoa said, despite his six months at the school, Ndebele had shown her leadership qualities to earn his trust.
“She was a firm but assetive person whose pursuits were always in the interest of the school. “This showed through her all-round involvement in most school activities including bringing disillusioned children back to school to ensure they did not miss out on learning. One of the students passed matric with a diploma qualification and had thanked her for her action. She was never late to work and will be remembered as someone who shared a love for humanity with the students and colleagues.” Mashitoa urged others to emulate her exemplary behaviour.
