Heartfelt condolences and soul-breaking tributes from the Ladysmith community as well as schools from surrounding areas poured in after nine-year-old Shanika Balsarang, a Grade 4 learner at Acaciavale Primary School, tragically passed away after contracting Covid-19.
Acaciavale Primary School was tremendously saddened by the news of their first learner lost to the pandemic. “How could God allow this to happen? What sort of lesson are we supposed to learn from a nine-year-old child passing away?” Asked one of the educators during a special assembly at the school, held on Tuesday morning, 3 August. Educators, learners and staff at Acaciavale Primary School told The Ladysmith Herald that they are completely devastated by the tragic and sudden death of Shanika. According to Mrs Suri Kathan, Department Head for the Foundation Phase at Acaciavale Primary School, Shanika had fallen ill on Friday and on Sunday, 1 August, passed away. It is reported that Shanika and her whole family were infected by Covid-19. “Shanika had been taking care of the family and then suddenly complained that she was not feeling well,” said Kathan.
Shanika was the only child of the Balsarang family. “This was a child that would brighten up any bad day, with her infectious smile and personality,” said Kathan. Shanika had been part of the Acaciavale Primary School family for almost five years and Kathan, who could not hold back the tears, said that she had taught the child from Grade R. “I don’t know what to say to you or to the family members, but this has come as a huge shock and loss to Acaciavale Primary School.” Kathan said that Shanika had a way with people and had quickly become part of the family. “Educators and learners here can tell you that Shanika had a heart of gold and she was someone who would just make a person’s day with her smile or her greeting. I don’t think anyone here at this school did not know who Shanika was,” said Kathan, who could not control her tears, but added that school will never be the same and that Acaciavale Primary School has lost one of their brightest diamonds.
Principal, Mrs Revi Roy, said that so much has happened, with the rise in Delta Covid-19 cases and the civil unrest, that this was the last thing they had expected for their school and the APS family to face. “I can’t even start to express my feelings towards this loss of the beautiful child that had managed to find a special place in everyone’s heart. Shanika had touched lives at this school.” Roy said that news of the death touched each and every learner, educator and staff member who knew Shanika. A funeral motorcade was held and Shanika’s coffin was brought passed the school, allowing her fellow classmates to bid their last respects. Educators, staff and learners wept as the hearse slowly drove passed the school, allowing them to throw flower petals and release balloons. “This is such a sad day for us,” said one of her classmates, who could not hold back tears. “We would like to send our love and prayers to Shanika’s family during this difficult time,” said Principal Roy.
