A community mourns

The community, family and pupils mourns the death of Laerskool Unika principal Sieg Schaefer who passed away suddenly on 8 December. The news of Schaefer’s death left the community shocked and with heavy hearts.

Laerskool Unika governing body chairperson, Jan Bosman said that Schaefer was diagnosed with a brain tumour three weeks ago and was operated on. He was recuperating after surgery and was to start with chemotherapy and radiation therapy soon after.

“We are not sure about the cause of death at the moment but are all very shocked at his sudden passing. The Schaefer family will provide us with further details of the funeral arrangements. It has been truly heart-warming to see how the community and learners have come together to show their support and to give their condolences. People have been placing wreaths at the gate of school,” said Bosman.

He added that Schaefer will be remembered by the school for his immense contribution to building the small primary school since he was appointed in 1994, to what it is presently. Bosman went on to say that he was hands-on with learners and was involved in everything that had to do with the school.

“I have known him for the past eight years and we have a very close relationship. I will remember him for the keen interest he took in every learner in the school, he even knew all of them by name including their parents,” described Bosman.

Bosman sent his heartfelt condolences to Schaefer’s wife, two sons and the rest of the Schaefer family.

“We appreciate the overwhelming support from the community and messages of condolences to the family and school community,” concluded Bosman.