The body of Gert Samuel Adams was recovered from a water pan at Klippan, near the Steyn 1 mining area in Welkom, on Thursday (29/10). Police were reportedly alerted to the scene at around 11:35 after a fisherman noticed an unpleasant smell coming from the water and spotted a body floating in the pan.

The fisherman showed police officers where he had initially seen the body. After it was recovered, Adams was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was confirmed by his family on Friday. He had been reported missing on 6 October after he failed to report for duty.

The provincial education department expressed sadness following the passing of the teacher. Spokesperson Howard Ndaba described Adams as a dedicated, valued and respected member of the school community who served the department with commitment and distinction.

His untimely passing was a great loss to his family, colleagues, learners and the entire education fraternity in the province, Ndaba added.

The department had activated psychosocial support services for staff and learners at the school. The school, in consultation with the family and the district, will also put measures in place to ensure that teaching and learning, as well as the finalisation of Term 4 learner assessments, continue with minimal disruption.

MEC Julia Maboya also expressed her heartfelt condolences following the teacher’s death. “We have lost a teacher, a leader and a custodian of our children’s future. Adams did not just teach subjects; he taught hope.”

“To his family, his colleagues and his learners – we share your pain. May his dedication to education continue to live in every classroom he touched. We have lost a soldier on the frontline of learning.”

The department extended its deepest condolences to the Adams family, friends, colleagues and learners of Rheederpark Combined School. Further details regarding his memorial and funeral arrangements would be communicated in consultation with the family.

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