Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Driehoek school mourns its loss
MARLI Currie had an infectious smile which lit up every room she entered.
It provided some measure of consolation to those grieving the 14-year-old’s death at her Vanderbijlpark funeral yesterday.
Her portrait greeted the scores of people who attended the service at NG Suid-Gemeente.
The teenager was one of four pupils from Hoërskool Driehoek who were killed last week when a concrete slab from the school bridge collapsed.
About 20 more pupils also sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.
Pastor Frank Thomson reassured those who packed the church that they were well within their rights to be angry that a young girl’s life had been cut short.
“Nothing makes sense, this is the biggest tragedy that could happen.”
But he encouraged them to have faith and reminded them of Currie’s outstanding qualities.
“Marli always had a smile on her face and was good student who was loved by all those who knew her.”
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga attended the funeral and told a media gathering outside the church that a parent losing a child is one of the worst things that could ever happen.
“I’m sure there no pain for a parent which goes beyond losing a child. I think it is the worst thing for a parent, especially at her age, she was at her prime, at her best, beautiful and innocent.”
She described the school’s bridge collapse as a freak accident. “It was school that was well built but unfortunately there were structural problems,” said Motshekga.