Family, friends, classmates, and teachers are expected to gather to bid a final farewell to Thomas Sithole, 17. The service comes as the Vaal Triangle community continues to mourn the teenager’s death following a boating incident on the Vaal River on Friday, 9 January.

The body of Thomas was found on Monday, 12 January, by two boys on jet skis near the bridge at Stonehaven on Vaal. Thomas was allegedly last seen during the cruise with a group of friends, who claim they realised he was missing when the boat was returning to its destination.

The incident reportedly happened at around 18:00, but his parents were only notified four hours later.

The memorial service of Thomas Sithole will be held on Thursday (22/1). Photo: Vaalweekblad

“Thomas was a friend to everyone, one of the few people without enemies,” said Hoërskool Driehoek principal Stephan Schoeman. “He was loved by his friends for his positive and joyous personality, always trying to make those around him smile.

“Thomas was always the center of any fun, social activities at school, with either his dance moves or school war cries. He played senior rugby last year and was always a great team player, motivating his teammates.”

Thomas was chosen as one of the SRC members in 2026, a testament to his great leadership abilities and the love and trust his peers had for him. “He will always be remembered as a passionate ‘Hoekie’ and will be deeply missed by learners and teachers throughout the school,” he said.

In an official statement, the school’s governing body said Thomas was a beloved learner, a dedicated rugby player, and a young leader who had been selected by his peers to serve.

The governing body extended its heartfelt condolences to the Sithole family and confirmed that counselling has been made available to learners.

The statement also clarified that the incident occurred outside of school activities and during the school holiday period, and that the matter remains under investigation by the police.

When Thomas fell into the water, search and rescue teams were dispatched to try to find him. Friends and relatives gathered along the riverbanks at Abrahamsrust Resort, where police divers conducted search operations.

When the group decided to rearrange seating, they realised that Thomas was no longer on the boat. The group allegedly turned back and searched near the resort, but could not find him.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs