Siegel’s memorial service took place on Wednesday at his school, Heide Primary, and was attended by his family, community members, spiritual leaders, school personnel, and learners. 

The chairperson of the school’s governing body, Daryll de Koker, tells OFM News the point of the service was to honour Liam and to encourage his family. Koker says what has occurred, has happened because of a fallen and broken world, and he encourages community members to learn from this in order not to repeat the same mistakes in the future.

De Koker says the memorial service was arranged by the school for the pupils, Liam’s classmates, his teachers, his family, and the community at large. “So this is just a way the school wants to show the family there’s support and to show them that we are with them during this difficult time,” De Koker concludes.

Liam’s father, Johannes Pieterse, says he is satisfied with how everything went and is grateful that the school helped lessen his pain. The mother of Liam, Rosaline Siegel, thanked the school and told OFM News that the day made her feel less alone. “What the school has done for me has made me appreciative, and I hope that it continues,” she adds. Liam’s funeral will take place on Saturday morning 29 May 2021 at 08:30.

OFM News/Blaine Jones