“We are still hurt but getting better because people are coming in to console us,” that is how Menzi Ngqoshela summed up the family’s misery.
He was addressing the mourners during a memorial service of Avela Shweni (7), who died in a shack fire at SST informal settlement in Town Two, Khayelitsha, on Saturday 29 July.
And emotions were evident on the faces of his ex-classmates, from Chuma Primary School, during an event held at Blue Hall in Town Two yesterday (Thursday).
At least six family members died in the fire.
A family member who was seriously injured died two days later in the hospital.
READ: The number of deceased in SST fire increase to seven
Speaking on behalf of the family during the service, Ngqoshela said they are still heartbroken. He described the death as a wound that would never heal.
“We thank the Chuma primary for such an initiative,” said Ngqoshela.
The family is still waiting for the outcomes of the DNA test conducted on the deceased to proceed with the funeral arrangements.
Avela’s class teacher Nontobeko Foli said she still could not believe he was no more.
“I was so devastated after I received the news of his death. I didn’t know how I would tell his classmates until some of them broke the news in the class,” said Foli.
She described Avela as a humble child.