"Rest in Peace": SA School Cancels 124th Anniversary After Learner Dies Travelling to School
- Woodlands Secondary School announced the passing of Grade 10E learner Mvelase Elihle, who died on Wednesday, 7 October 2026
- Elihle was on her way to school when she passed away, leaving her school community in deep shock and mourning
- The school cancelled its 124th Anniversary celebrations planned for Friday, 9 October 2026, out of respect for the grieving family
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Source: Facebook
A KwaZulu-Natal schoolgirl never made it through the gates on Wednesday morning. Mvelase Elihle, a Grade 10E learner at Woodlands Secondary School, passed away on 7 October 2026 while on her way to school.
Woodlands Secondary School, established in 1902, broke the heartbreaking news to its community in a Facebook post on 8 October 2026. The school described the loss as shocking and extended its condolences to Elihle's family on behalf of her fellow learners, teachers, the School Governing Body, and the broader school community.
The circumstances surrounding her death were not disclosed in the announcement.
Anniversary celebrations called off
Out of respect for Elihle and her grieving family, Woodlands Secondary cancelled all activities planned to mark its 124th Anniversary, which had been scheduled for Friday, 9 October 2026. The decision reflected how deeply the loss was felt across the entire school.
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The school closed its announcement with a scripture verse from James 4:14:
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
View the Facebook post below:
South Africans mourn Elihle
People across the country were moved by the news and took to the comments on the school's page to share their grief:
Thobile Nzimande said:
"I'm literally in tears I don't even know her but I'm a mom rest in peace baby girl 😭😭"
Nonjabulo Khumalo wrote:
"On her way to school mmmmm 💔💔💔💔"
Rajen Rajcoomar shared:
"Condolences to her family and friends, it's so heartbreaking, rest easy beautiful 🙏"
Hazel Pillay said:
"So sad pray for God strengthen over the family. And rest in peace dear one"
Sbongile Zuma wrote:
"Rest well my angel ❤"
More Briefly News stories on school loss
- Mpumelelo Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal announced the death of one of its young learners, leaving the school community and South Africans mourning.
- Pinetown Girls’ High School mourns Grade 9 learner Lamla Tenza, as classmates and staff share grief and the school urges kindness and support in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Stanger ML Sultan Secondary School mourns Grade 9A learner Bonga Mthembu, as the school shares condolences and offers counselling to learners and educators.
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Source: Briefly News
