Messages of condolences pour in for Botha family

A memorial service for the late Ben Botha will be held on Wednesday, 5 June, at Hoërskool Die Burger at 10am. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Ben, who was one of the Deputy Principals at the school, collapsed and died at the Spar in Goldman Street, Florida on Wednesday afternoon, 29 May.

Read the initial article here:

https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/05/30/man-dies-after-collapsing-in-store/

Dominique van Heerden, who was an eyewitness to the incident and is also an educator at the school said, “When I arrived there, I saw a shopper on the floor with people performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him. One of the shoppers fetched a nearby doctor. Paramedics and police then arrived on the scene and cordoned off the area, and that is when I left. If I had known that it was Mr Botha, I wouldn’t have left.”

Ben had worked at Hoërskool Die Burger since 1992, and went from being a teacher to the deputy principal two years ago. According to the educators at the school, he held a lot of roles – from sports coach to father figure. They believe that he played a huge role in everyone’s life.

“He will be dearly missed by all of us. He cared for everyone and was like family,” said Estelle Nel, one of his colleagues.

Ben was also well known for always going above and beyond his duties, and his great success with sport.

He matriculated from Hoërskool Hans Strijdom in Naboomspruit, where he played rugby for the first team and was also rewarded with honorary colours for being part of the Drill Squad. He played rugby and cricket, and participated in athletics and land service.

His strong leadership qualities were evident, as he was a class leader, team captain at the rugby, as well as a hostel and school prefect.

Ben was known to be conscientious, helpful, polite and dedicated. “His death has definitely left a void that will never be filled. He was a very quiet person and often dealt with problems in his own way. He was forever smiling,” said Linda Peplar-Chambers, who is also from the school.

Ben was not only the head of sport, but was also involved in coaching, and had accomplished a lot of success with the school’s first rugby team. He was known as someone who was professional in his dealings with both parents and learners, earning their respect.

They added that he was a man who was always dedicated to his family and made sure he was there for every single school event that his children participated in.

“Hoërskool Die Burger has lost not only a well-loved teacher, but a dynamic leader, a mentor and a friend. His sudden passing has left a void in not only the staff’s lives, but in the lives of the many learners whom he taught. His calming presence, expert leadership, sportsmanship, loyalty and ever-present smile will be sorely missed,” said Banie Lotter, the principal at the school, during a candle lighting ceremony held in memory of Ben.

The principal added that, “The whole of Hoërskool Die Burger would like to offer condolences to the Botha family and friends.”

Ben leaves behind his wife and two children. His wife, Esther van Tonder Botha, poured out her heart in a Facebook post, “My dear man … why and why you had to leave us all now I don’t know. But one thing I know you were, is and will always be our number one. The love of my life. We spent a wonderful 28 years together, which was not always easy but we were together until the end. Our love was strong. You were great dad to our children. Your life has been taken too early from us. We still wanted to do so many things together. But know you are always in my heart. For eternity and always, love you. Rest in peace my husband, until we meet again.”

His funeral will take place on Saturday, 8 June, at the Nederduitsch Hervormede Kerk El Flora, on the corner of Anstruther Street and Frere Avenue, Discovery at 9am.