Watch: Memorial service held for the late Hoërskool Jeugland learner
Emmanuel died on July 15 after sustaining a serious neck injury during a rugby game against Pietersburg High School.
Learners, teachers, teammates and the community gathered at Hoërskool Jeugland on July 19 for an emotional farewell to the school’s second team captain, 17-year-old Emmanuel Makwiting.
Emmanuel died on July 15 after sustaining a serious neck injury during a rugby game against Pietersburg High School on July 13.
During the ceremony, learners and community members placed flowers and rugby memorabilia at the school’s entrance to pay tribute to him.
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An emotional remembrance ceremony followed, and Emmanuel’s classmates and fellow rugby players joined his family in remembering the impact he had on the school.
His rugby teammates took to the stage and sang their morale songs before lining up to greet and comfort Emmanuel’s family including his mother and father.
Neels Poley, director of sport at Hoërskool Jeugland. spoke to the Kempton Express.
“This is tough for us to deal with. Emmanuel was loved by many and he’s a legend in our rugby community.
“His death came as a shock to South Africa and the rugby community. As a school, we will pick up and go on with him in our hearts,” he said.
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“His rugby teammates are taking it hard, but as a school, we are standing behind them.
“We want the boys to know that if they need assistance to work through this, the school and the community are there for them.”
Additionally, Poley thanked everybody from Jeugland, the community and other schools for their support.
Emmanuel’s family was embraced by the learners when the ceremony ended.
Emmanuel’s uncle, Sammy Nyirenda, said Emmanuel was the only son in the Makwiting family.
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“He was humble, respectful and cheerful,” he said.
He added that Emmanuel started playing rugby at the age of seven, and he was in love with the sport.
“His teammates mustn’t lose their love for rugby because of what has happened. They need to keep following their passion because no one can tell how and when it is your time.
“Emmanuel’s team must not give up,” said Nyirenda.
Emmanuel will be buried in a private ceremony at Mooifontein Cemetery on July 25.
