The memorial service of Louise de Waal was held in a marquee at Hoerskool die Burger in Roodepoort. The afternoon began with a Christian service from Rev. John. He described an experiment whereby children are given a seed covered with cotton wool and watered continuously. The seed would reap through the cotton wool and grow a stem, like a Butterfly that flourishes from a Caterpillar. Louise has not died but lives in a different form.

 


Officials from the department of education in district 14 also expressed their grievances. The family and education department had both suffered a loss as Louise would have contributed to the class of 2012’s distinctions tally. The school principal then handed Louise’s mother her prefect blazer that she would have worn next year alongside two awards that she would have received at the schools prize giving next week.



 

Hoerskool die Burger’s head girl read letters from fellow class mates. They described Louise as a shy, caring, kind and smart girl. She was always willing to baby-sit her teacher’s children for some extra money. De Waal was described as a candle in the sky. A montage with Elton John’s song with the same title formed the back drop for Louise life as a young girl learning to spell her name to her mother. Friends and family continued to cry in disbelief, her mother sang along to the song. The montage did not end on sad note at Louise’s later years were celebrated with Rihannas cheers to the weekend. The service ended outside where Doves and pink balloons were set free in honour of Louise.





 

De Waal would have celebrated her 17th birthday last week. A man from Roodepoort has confessed to her murder. Police conducted DNA testing to confirm that the burned body found on a farm Magaliesburg is that of Louise. The suspects face has been hidden and not allowed to be published. Police intend to add more charges on the sheet and host an identity parade from rape victims. He is scheduled to appear in court on the 13 of December.



Editors Note:This is the last article contributed by Zodwa Mokena in her role as Current Affairs editor. We will miss her energy and great ideas and would like to thank her for making GEM all it is today.