Sikelela says farewell to Aunty June

With tears flowing from her eyes, June Zietsman bade farewell to Sikelela Primary in Hattingspruit.
After serving for many years as the librarian in Hattingspruit, Aunty June, as she is more affectionately known, became a beacon of hope for the small rural school. Described as the mother, granny and aunty of the school, she was also available to lend a helping hand.
On countless occasions, Aunty June assisted the school whenever they needed help, even giving from her own pocket, to ensure the little ones could have the best education possible. As Aunty June’s tenure as Hattingspruit librarian came to an end, the school gave her a fitting farewell. The Grade R’s opened up proceedings by singing the slightly less accurate version of the national anthem.
The other grades followed suit and each performed a song and dance for Aunty June.
Special guest speaker, Mrs Mngomezulu, from the Department of Education, thanked Aunty June for her selfless service to the school. “Thank you for imparting your skills to the school.
“You have brought light to the community and in the future they will tell stories about you,” she said.
“We may not have seen all you did as they Department of Education but God has seen it and he will reward you,” Mrs Mngomezulu added.
Aunty June was then called to the front of the class where she was showered with the numerous gifts and donations that learners, staff and members of the community gave.
An emotional Aunty June could not stop the tears as the donations and gifts kept pouring in. She thanked every single person who she had the pleasure of working with and getting to know, especially Principal, Monica Mbatha, whom she became close friends with.
Though she may be not be there anymore, the learners of Sikelela Primary will always remember their hero, Aunty June.