Tears of grief and deep sorrow filled the Wattville Art Centre in Ekurhuleni on **2 January 2026**, as friends, relatives, and community members gathered to honour the memory of the **Shawe family**, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident while travelling from **Limpopo to Gauteng**. The emotional memorial was a powerful testament to the love and impact of the family, leaving an entire community reeling from the sudden loss.
The service, held in the early hours of the New Year, drew **hundreds of mourners** who arrived to pay their respects to Betty Shawe, her daughter Lesego Lushaba, granddaughter Lesedi Lushaba, Makie Shawe, and young Samukelo Nyandeni. What was meant to be a joyous return home after a festive break turned into a nightmare for loved ones when the vehicle carrying the family was involved in a fatal crash on **27 December 2025**.
Inside the packed venue, grief was palpable as speakers shared memories of the deceased. **Nthabiseng Moekangoe**, aunt to Lesego and Lesedi, spoke through tears about the bright futures that were extinguished so suddenly. She described how Lesedi, a promising young student, had been excited about her achievements and ambitions, mentioning that she had recently been elected to her school’s Representative Council of Learners. “She phoned me with her good news last year, and I wanted to take her out to celebrate — but I never got the chance,” Moekangoe said, her voice breaking as she fought back tears.
The pain of loss was echoed by **Sibusiso Khumalo**, uncle to Samukelo Nyandeni, who described how the family is trying to cope with the sudden void. “We are heartbroken as a family. We are losing so many young people, and it hurts,” he said, highlighting how revered Samukelo was for his respectful and loving personality. “Gogo Betty loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart,” he continued, recalling her kindness and welcoming spirit that had touched so many in the community.
Tributes were not only delivered by family. Teachers and classmates also shared heartfelt moments, particularly from **Wordsworth High School**, where Lesedi had been a disciplined and admired pupil. Her teacher spoke of her quiet strength, leadership, and dedication both in class and in her school community, underscoring how deeply the tragedy had struck not only her family but the wider school community as well.
As hymns resounded in the hall and prayer filled the space, **Pastor Albert Skosana** extended words of comfort and urged the mourners to lean on their faith during this painful period. He reminded the grieving family and friends that community and belief can be sources of strength even amid overwhelming sorrow.
Plans for the **funeral service** were announced to take place on **3 January**, offering one more opportunity for people to come together to honour the Shawe family’s lives and legacy. While the pain of loss remains fresh, the outpouring of love and solidarity at the memorial reflected how deeply the family was cherished — and how profoundly their absence will be felt.
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