"Never Forgotten": Thomas More College Mourns Grade 8 Pupil Awandiswe Zulu's Death

• Thomas More College announced the passing of Grade 8 learner Awandiswe Zulu on 29 August 2026
• Awandiswe had been part of the KwaZulu-Natal school community since Grade 00, earning love from pupils, staff and families
• Fellow schools and community members flooded the college's Facebook post with heartfelt tributes for the Zulu family

Thomas More College has shared the heartbreaking news of the death of Awandiswe Zulu, a Grade 8 learner who had been part of the school community since Grade 00. The announcement, made on the college's Facebook page on 29 August 2026, described him as "a valued and cherished member" of the college family who was known and loved by many.

The KwaZulu-Natal school did not disclose the cause of death, asking the wider community to respect the Zulu family's privacy as they grieve. The post ended with a Zulu farewell:

"Lala ngokuthula, Awandiswe" — Rest in peace.

Read also

Hoërskool Lydenburg mourns loss of beloved learner in tribute

Schools stand alongside Thomas More

The tribute quickly drew an outpouring of condolences from individuals and institutions alike. Fellow schools, including Hillcrest High School, St Henry's Marist College, St James Primary School, and Curro Hillcrest, all posted their sympathies in the comments.

Thomas More College extended its prayers to the Zulu family and asked the broader community to hold them close during what it called an "incredibly difficult time."

View the Facebook video below:

A community united in grief

Claire Stanyer, who described Awandiswe as "a part of our lives since Grade R," wrote:

"You were one of the best, and we will miss you dearly. To Nompilo, Cynthia, and Mkhulu, our hearts and prayers are with you all. The kindest boy. We will miss our rugby outings and you being a daily part of our lives. Rest easy, Diswe. You are so, so loved special boy."

Nzuzo Mthembu recalled seeing the young boy in his element just weeks before his passing:

Read also

Citrusdal Primary School community mourns death of 10-year-old learner

"What an outstanding young man he was, recalling him collecting his award on the rugby night at the end of June. My Son Luthando is not taking it well at all. We are sending our heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Zulu family as well as the TMC family. May God comfort you during this time."

Chantel Edwards Evans wrote:

"Your son will forever be remembered for his beautiful nature and the friendships he built, with every life he touched. Never Forgotten. Rest in peace, Awandiswe."

Bridget Cira praised the warmth of the response in the comments, writing:

"Such a supportive community. May the Zulu family find solace in seeing these messages. If someone close to them could use AI to collate them into a small booklet, it would be an amazing gesture."

More Briefly News stories on loss of learners

• The tragic death of 17-year-old St Stithians pupil Cameron Waldeck-Cooks in Sabie has led to a murder investigation after post-mortem findings indicated she may have been strangled, while 19-year-old Ethan Coetzee, found dead at the same lodge, may have died by suicide.
• Laerskool Rachel de Beer is mourning the death of Grade 7 learner Lethu Ngomane, with the school community remembering the 13-year-old and expressing condolences to her loved ones.
• Laerskool Baillie Park is mourning the death of young learner Jessica Enslin, who passed away on 27 August 2026, with the school community remembering her and expressing condolences to her family.

Source: Briefly News