It was a somber day at Acaciavale Primary School (APS) as learners, staff, educators and management paid their last respects to Grade R learner, Alupheli Ndlovu, who sadly passed away from a brain tumour over the Women’s Day long weekend. Learners lined up in front of the school as the hearse conveying the small coffin allowed them to bid farewell to the young warrior, who had fought hard to overcome the cancerous tumour.
Ndlovu, who was five-years-old, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in March and was said to have fought hard with every ounce of his small body before he passed away. Acaciavale Primary School deputy principal told the Ladysmith Herald that the school is still in shock and dealing with the trauma of the news. “When you arrive at the doorsteps of APS, you are immediately adopted into the school family and our Grade R educators form incredibly strong bonds with our little ones during the first phases of their school year. The news of Ndlovu’s death was heartbreaking.”
Ndlovu was described as a beautiful social butterfly that loved to laugh, play and enjoyed being in the company of his friends at school. “We would like to wish our most sincere condolences to his other siblings that are in school with us. We also offer up prayers of strength to his family,” said the school. The guard of honour was performed by all learners from Grade R to Grade 7, who filled up the street in front of the school as they waved farewell to the hearse that had passed by slowly.
The school added that cancer does not only affect the victims and their family members, but also affects the community in which they live in.
