\u201cWe are still hurt but getting better because people are coming in to console us,\u201d that is how Menzi Ngqoshela summed up the family\u2019s misery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was addressing the mourners during a memorial service of Avela Shweni (7), who died in a shack fire at SST informal settlement in Town Two, Khayelitsha, on Saturday 29 July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And emotions were evident on the faces of his ex-classmates, from Chuma Primary School, during an event held at Blue Hall in Town Two yesterday (Thursday).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At least six family members died in the fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A family member who was seriously injured died two days later in the hospital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking on behalf of the family during the service, Ngqoshela said they are still heartbroken. He described the death as a wound that would never heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe thank the Chuma primary for such an initiative,\u201d said Ngqoshela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The family is still waiting for the outcomes of the DNA test conducted on the deceased to proceed with the funeral arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avela\u2019s class teacher Nontobeko Foli said she still could not believe he was no more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was so devastated after I received the news of his death. I didn\u2019t know how I would tell his classmates until some of them broke the news in the class,\u201d said Foli. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She described Avela as a humble child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n