Noorderlig hosts memorial for Louis de Jonge
Noordelig Gekombineerde Skool hosted a memorial for Louis de Jonge this morning (September 28).
The entire school gathered in the school hall to commemorate the life of the 13-year-old who died on September 19, allegedly from a bullying incident.
Read: Boy (13) dies after alleged bullying at Noorderlig
Deputy head girl Keamogetswe Letshoenyo opened the ceremony with a song.
Freddie Makochane, a chief education specialist for the Gauteng Department of Education Ekurhuleni North, also addressed the school.
Makochane said Louis’ death was one too many and he advised the school to adopt a more “positive culture”.
He appealed to the children to preach love and comfort, and said values must be instilled in South African communities.
Referring to negative news about schools in general, Makochane said violence in schools is learnt at home and that even the offenders must be taught to love rather than fight.
He said social circumstances such as alcoholism, abuse and domestic violence could contribute to learners’ actions.
“Wear love everywhere you go,” he said.
Makochane urged anybody who was affected by Louis’ death to phone the department as he said it has programmes for those who need counselling.
Louis’ teacher, Ronél Janse van Rensburg, read a poem in his honour.
The ceremony was ended with brief thank-yous from the four head boys and head girls, and doves were set free in Louis’ honour.
Parents and learners in need of counselling can contact the Department of Education on 011 746 8000.
Louis’ parents were not present.
The school said they had been invited.
Also read: Postmortem reveals cause of Louis de Jonge’s death
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