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Community pays tribute to Rhenish Girls’ High School matric learner

A matric learner at Rhenish Girls’ High School (RGHS) who recently passed away, is remembered by her friends as a wise and caring companion.

This was according to Lorenzo Gollia (20), one of Memie Nanatakyi (18)’s friends.

Nanatakyi (18) allegedly died of depression on 25 May, according to the press statement released by RGHS on 26 May. “It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you that one of our matric learners passed away on Tuesday 25 May,” said the statement. 

Nanatakyi had been a hostel resident at the school since 2017, said Lorenzo Gollia (20), one of Nanatakyi’s friends.

An illustration of Memie Nanatakyi (18), a matric learner at Rhenish Girls’ High School who passed away on 25 May. PHOTO: Supplied/Sean Patrick Gleeson.

“The school community is broken this morning [26 May], and our learners and staff are the school’s main priority at this stage,” said Sharon Hershaw, communications manager at RGHS, in written correspondence with MatieMedia. 

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) offered assistance to the school once the news of Nanatakyi’s passing had been made public, said Bronagh Hammond, communications director for the WCED, in written correspondence with MatieMedia. The WCED worked with the school to arrange counselling for the matric learners on 26 May. Counselling was also available for other RGHS learners who required assistance, said Hammond. 

“We are devastated and heartbroken about this, and our sincerest condolences are extended to her parents, family and friends,” concluded the statement made by RGHS.

Friends share memories of Nanatakyi

“[Memie Nanatakyi] was incredible. She listened to other people in a deep and thoughtful way,” said Gollia in a written response to MatieMedia. “[T]here was wisdom, sensitivity and care in every word that she said. She had a mothering nature, […] with all her friends under her arm, safe and sound.” 

Gollia and Nanatakyi had been friends since 2019, after they met at the Coronation Avenue Methodist Church in Somerset West, he said.

Flower bouquets have been placed on the fence of Rhenish Girls’ High School to commemorate the life of Memie Nanatakyi (18), who passed away on 25 May. PHOTO: Jana Scheepers

“Memie was the most loving and caring person I have ever met,” said Timothy Schenck (19), another friend of Nanatakyi’s, in written correspondence with MatieMedia. “[S]he was the glue of our friend group. She was loved by many, and will be missed a lot.”

The entrance of Rhenish Girls’ High School, where several bouquets of flowers were dropped off in remembrance of Memie Nanatakyi (18). PHOTO: Jana Scheepers.

The South African Depression and Anxiety group (SADAG) can be reached on 0800 456 789.