SEBOKENG – Residensia Secondary School gathered in sincere unity on Monday, October 30, to pay tribute to the memory of Tumi Mokgotla.
Mokgotla (18) was described by many as a gifted and promising student who tragically lost his life in a devastating taxi accident on October 24.
The atmosphere at the school was filled with grief as teachers, fellow students, friends, and family came together to remember the bright young soul whose potential was abruptly and tragically extinguished.
Mokgotla was remembered as a top pupil who embodied humility and an unwavering focus on his goals.
Many who knew him spoke highly of his dedication to his studies and his warm, friendly personality that commended him to everyone he encountered.
During the memorial service, Mokgotla’s teachers shared their cherished memories of his time at Residensia Secondary School.
Itumeleng Maifadi, his class teacher, reminisced, “This is the toughest moment of my life. I met Tumi when he arrived at the school for grade 8. I taught him Life Orientation, and after that year, I always saw him in the corridors. We had an opportunity to meet again this year when his class chose me as their class teacher.”
“Tumi always sat at the front row, but because he was tall, he always chose the desk lined against the wall. He was a different child, very disciplined, and he had a sense of order. Tumi was cool, calm, and collected. His character was exemplary. We were meant to learn from him how one must conduct themselves,” she said.
Fellow pupil, tears in their eyes, shared stories of Tumi’s kindness and his willingness to help others.
Buhle Sithole, a close friend of Tumi, fondly recalled their daily journeys to school, saying, “He was special and dear to my heart. Tumi never left me behind when we went to school. He made sure that I felt how special I was; even on my birthday, he bought me a present and nicely wrapped it before handing it to me. Tumi always motivated me, and I looked up to him. He broke our hearts.”
Joel Dichaba, the Grade Head and a math teacher, spoke of Tumi’s academic ability and the impact he had on his teachers.
“If we knew what would happen the next day, we would have told him not to come to school on the day he lost his life. Tumi was ready for his exams. As a math teacher, Tumi made me go to class, knowing my story because he had mastered his numbers,” he said.
Dichaba added with a heavy heart, “Last week when I spoke to him, I told him to get 100% on Maths, and he never responded; he just smiled. It is heartbreaking to stand here and think he was ready long ago. He was our hope at the school,” added Dichaba.
Nthabiseng Chalale, the School Principal, expressed the profound loss the school school is feeling.
“We have lost as a school. I have no doubt he was going to take the school to higher standards.”
