Zané de Jager was in Grade 11 at Hoërskool Waterkloof.
Image: Facebook / Hoërskool Waterkloof
The schooling community of Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria, Gauteng, is in mourning after one of its learners suddenly died during a camping trip.
In a social media post on April 2, the school conveyed its condolences to the family of Grade 11 learner Zané de Jager.
“Zané's beautiful smile and humanity will forever be remembered in our community.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who knew her. May she rest in peace. Forever in our Klofie hearts,” the post read.
The school also asked for respect and support for her family during this difficult time.
It is unclear at this stage what caused the teenager’s death while attending the Voortrekker and Pioneers programme.
The Voortrekkers is a youth organisation that equips members to make positive contributions as citizens. The organisation also paid tribute to Zané on its social media page.
However, many on social media called for a full-scale investigation into the matter.
Many others described the camp as a decades-old, well-run youth fieldwork programme and said every protocol was followed correctly.
According to Maroela Media, the parents of the teenager were on vacation in Botswana when the tragedy struck.
Zané has been described by many as a warm and engaging child who loved being creative and mourned that her seat would be empty once learners head back to school after the holidays this week.
Many parents within the schooling community also posted Bible verses for the family so they may find strength during this difficult time.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL