Key Takeaways
- A memorial service was held for the Shawe family members who died in a tragic car accident in Limpopo on December 27.
- The service took place at the Wattville Youth Centre in Ekurhuleni on January 2, 2026, and was attended by hundreds of community members.
- The family members who died in the accident were Betty Shawe, Lesego Lushaba, Lesedi Lushaba, Makie Shawe, and Samukelo Nyandeni.
- The community came together to pay their last respects and share memories of the deceased, with many speaking about the warmth, love, and dreams that were lost.
- The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, at the Wattville Youth Centre.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The community gathered to mourn the Shawe family, who died in a tragic car accident on December 27 while traveling from Limpopo to Gauteng. The memorial service was held at the Wattville Youth Centre in Ekurhuleni on January 2, 2026, and was attended by hundreds of grieving community members. The hall was filled with sorrow, prayers, and painful memories as family, friends, and neighbors came together to honor the five lives lost too soon.
Memorial Service
The memorial service was filled with grief, where loved ones spoke through tears about the warmth, love, and dreams that were buried with them. Nthabiseng Moekangoe, the aunt of Lesego and Lesedi, struggled to hold back tears as she spoke about the bright future that was stolen from her nieces. She said the family is living through one of the darkest moments of their lives and that time will heal them, but right now the pain is unbearable. Samukelo Nyandeni’s uncle, Sibusiso Khumalo, described the loss as painful and said that prayer is the only thing holding the family together.
Tributes to the Deceased
A close friend of the late Betty Shawe, Elizabeth Khumalo, remembered her as a woman full of love and kindness. Lesedi’s teacher from Wordsworth High School, Itumeleng, said the school was devastated by the loss and that Lesedi was one of their top, most disciplined pupils. She added that 2025 was a milestone year for Lesedi, who progressed to Grade 12 and was elected as a prefect. Pastor Albert Skosana said the memorial was needed at such a painful time and urged the family to find comfort in God during their time of sorrow.
Community Support
The community came together to support the family during their time of need. The memorial service was attended by hundreds of community members, who paid their last respects and shared memories of the deceased. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, at the Wattville Youth Centre, and the community is expected to come together again to bid their final farewell to the Shawe family. The loss of the Shawe family has left a deep impact on the community, and it will take time for them to heal and come to terms with the tragedy.
Conclusion
The memorial service for the Shawe family was a emotional and heartfelt tribute to the five lives lost in the tragic car accident. The community came together to pay their last respects and share memories of the deceased, and the family was surrounded by love and support during their time of need. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, and the community will come together again to bid their final farewell to the Shawe family. The loss of the Shawe family will never be forgotten, and they will always be remembered for their love, kindness, and warmth.

