During his speech at the funeral, his Excellency President Ramaphosa in a weeping mood mentioned, These were not only the children of their families, of Scenery Park, and of East London. Ibingabantwana bethu sonke. They were our children. And that is why I am here. That is why we are all here.

We are not here to play politics. We are not here to judge anyone for what they did or did not do for their children or for their friends on the night of 26 June 2022. We are here to mourn the twenty-one young people who died.

Each one of them had a beautiful soul. They each had beautiful dreams. They each had a bright future ahead of them.

There are grandparents who will not be blessed to see their grandson or granddaughter growing up and having a family of their own.

In the classrooms there are chairs that are empty.

In one night, here in Scenery Park, twenty-one bright lives were snuffed out.

The 21 deceased teenagers names were mentioned by the President at the mass funeral and their dreams as they lost their lives during their high school:

Lithemba Velapi was looking forward to studying Tourism Management at Buffalo City College. He was 20 years old.

Kungentando Nzima was in Grade 12 at Alphandale Senior Secondary School and loved mathematics.

Yesterday Lilitha Methuko would have celebrated her 17th birthday, and she told her mother she was planning to buy two cakes to celebrate.

Lungile Bekiso from Scenery Park would have turned 17 in November and liked playing soccer with his friends.

Ovayo Mateyise attended Lumko High School where he loved soccer and watching rugby on tv. Yesterday would have been his 15th birthday.

Inamandla Wexu was a brilliant learner. When his family asked him how his recent exams had gone, he said: You know I never fail.”

Oyena Ngoloyi was buried by her family in Middledrift yesterday. She was popular at school.

One of her friends wrote on her Facebook page: Lala ngoxolo mntase. Greet those in the house who have left us, and please be our star when we go out at night.”

Sikelela Tshemese was 15 years old. He was quiet and respectful and helpful around the home.

Simele Bolsiki was known in the community for always looking neat and tidy and for working hard at Qaqamba Senior Secondary School.

Azizipho Zilindile s siblings say they will miss how he was always patient with them and that he loved children. One of his teachers has described him as a gentle spirit.

Esinako Sanarana was 17 years old and wanted to become a lawyer someday.

Sinothando Mgangala liked hanging out with his friends at Mthiza High School.

Bhongolethu Ncandana was in Grade 12 from West Bank High School. She wanted to be a policewoman .

Nathi Ngqoza had dreams of becoming an actress and to compete on Idols. She was 17 years old.

Aluncedo Monelo was 17 years old. He was a talented artist who drew portraits of family members and of people in the community.

Inathi Nkani was 18 years old and the last born of her mother.

She is described as kind and a big dreamer.

Mbulelo Rangile was 18 years old. He will be laid to rest this weekend. He was a smart dresser and much loved by his family.

Simmamnkele Sobethwa was popular with her family and friends at Kusile Comprehensive School who held a memorial service for her. She was 17 years old.

Asamnkele Thukuthe was a learner at Mzokhanyo Senior Secondary School.

Sandanathi Mahlakahlaka was in Grade 9 and 15 years old. At the school memorial service her classmates described her as a beautiful flower with a lovely smile.

Thembinkosi Silwane attended Zwelemfundo Primary School. He was just 13 years old. His last words to his mother before going out that night were I m coming back, Mama.”