Hero educator died to save child
Memorial service for subject adviser who drowned
THURSDAY JANUARY 11 2018
FAMILY and friends will gather for a memorial service today for an educator described as a hero. Silumko Mgoqi, 60, drowned at Maiden’s Cove on January 4 after he had gone into the water to assist someone in trouble.
Mgoqi’s daughter and his two grandchildren were in Cape Town for the holidays and he wanted to take them for a swim at the Sea Point Pavilion, his brother and former Cape Town city manager Wallace Mgoqi said yesterday.
“When they got to the Sea Point pool there was a very long queue and they decided to go to Maiden’s Cove.
“The 3-year-old grandchild does not know the sea and so he wanted to familiarise the child.
“He then apparently saw another child who was needing help in the water.
“He put down his grandchild, threw off some of his clothing and ran in to go and help,” Mgoqi said.
He said while the child was saved, Silumko was struck by a strong wave and his head knocked against a boulder.
“His daughter was shouting for help, but there were no lifesavers there at the time.
“A woman surfer tried to help him and put him on her board.
“She was joined by another surfer and they both tried to get him on the board but he kept slipping off. He’s a big person,” Mgoqi said.
Lifesavers arrived and tried CPR but could not resuscitate his brother, he said.
“Paramedics also came, but by that time it was too late.”
He described his brother as a hero.
“He was that kind of guy, one who would not hesitate to assist. He was not the type of person who would sit back when somebody needed help.”
Silumko’s widow Nokwanda has been distraught but under the circumstances was doing fine, Mgoqi said.
“It is not easy for her, but with time she will heal,” he said.
Mgoqi had been a teacher at Masiyile High School for many years. Later he became a history subject adviser in the Western Cape Education Department.
Today’s memorial service will be held at 3pm at Zola High School in Tembani, near Mandalay.
Silumko is survived by Nokwanda, their children Dinilesizwe and Mangoyi, and two grandchildren, Sinesipho and Zimbali. – Staff Reporter