Seventeen-year-old matric learner Thandolwethu Moagi was finally laid to rest on Saturday, 14 February 2026, in an emotional funeral service held at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni. Her untimely death has left her family, classmates and the wider community devastated, with many still searching for answers.
Thandolwethu, a Grade 12 pupil at Vosloorus Comprehensive Secondary School, reportedly fell ill while at school on 4 February. According to the family, she complained of severe headaches before she was later found lying on the floor with foam coming from her mouth. She was rushed to J Dumane Clinic in Vosloorus, where she tragically passed away.
During the funeral service, her uncle Aaron Sekulane spoke through tears as he addressed mourners. He described the past week as one of unbearable pain for the family.
“We send our children to school and trust that they are safe in the hands of teachers,” he said. “But we are left with many unanswered questions about why the school failed to assist our child when she became ill.”
Sekulane expressed the family’s deep anguish, saying that while they try to accept the tragedy as God’s will, their hearts remain troubled. He added that if the incident was the result of negligence, the family would continue praying for those responsible, as the loss has deeply affected both the family and the community.
Another family member, Mthutuzeli Lumata, shared that Thandolwethu had dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had already started seeking advice about medical school from a cousin in the medical field. Her ambition and determination had inspired those around her.
“She wanted to be a doctor, and she was working hard toward that goal,” Lumata said. “What pains us most is that we believe more could have been done to help her.”
Her grandmother, Priscilla Mashego, described Thandolwethu as a bright, compassionate and hardworking young woman. The family had eagerly anticipated celebrating her matric completion and supporting her journey into medicine.
“We were looking forward to having a doctor in the family,” Mashego said. “Her life was cut short before she could fulfil her dream.”
The family has raised concerns about possible negligence, alleging that proper emergency procedures may not have been followed. They also claim they were not immediately informed of her passing, learning about it only after pupils had already been told, which intensified their grief.
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that an investigation has been launched. Spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that the matter is being looked into to determine what happened and whether proper protocols were followed.
Thandolwethu was laid to rest at Thomas Titus Nkobi Memorial Park, also known as South Park Cemetery, in Boksburg. Her sudden passing has sparked broader discussions among parents and community members about whether schools are adequately prepared to handle medical emergencies and protect learners in their care.
As the community mourns, Thandolwethu is remembered not only for her academic dedication but also for her kindness and the bright future she envisioned — a future that has now been heartbreakingly cut short.
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