CAPE TOWN – Tributes have poured in following the death of Kenridge Primary School teacher Debbie de Lange, who passed away after a longstanding battle with cancer.

The school announced her passing on social media, drawing messages from parents, former learners, colleagues and neighbouring schools.

Fairmont High School was among those to respond.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to our neighbours, Kenridge Primary School, on this great loss,” the school said.

DF Akademie also paid tribute, while Gene Louw Primary said it had received the news with “great sadness”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, colleagues and learners,” Gene Louw said.

De Lange taught geography to Grade 6 and 7 learners and economic and management sciences (EMS) to Grade 7.

She was also involved in school sport and served as the contact person for Kenridge’s Social Athletics programme.

Her work placed her alongside learners both in the classroom and on the sports field, while her involvement in school sport connected her with the wider Northern Suburbs education community.

De Lange formed part of Kenridge’s Grade 7 team, working with learners during her final year of primary school before they moved on to high school.