Matric learner dies a week before exams finish

THE Grosvenor Girls High School community is mourning the loss of matric learner, Lihle Khanyile, who died on November 7 after a short battle with cancer. The devastating news comes as matric learners prepare to write their last few exams. 

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Phumeza Khanyile, Lihle’s mother, said that Lihle was diagnosed early last year with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in soft tissue. 

“It started as a lump on her face, but it was invisible. You could only notice it if you touched her face. At the time we did not know what it could be,” said Phumeza. 

Lihle had chemotherapy and surgery to have the tumour removed at Albert Luthuli Hospital around July last year.

Following the surgery, she was well for most of the year, but that was until the tumour returned more aggressively last month (October). 

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“On October 26, she was readmitted to Albert Luthuli Hospital. The tumour was growing, and she was not eating or drinking anything because of the size of it. They were administering nutrition drips,” said Phumeza. 

At this point the cancer started to spread to Lihle’s lungs which led to her passing.

Phumeza said her heart has been shattered losing her child at such a pivotal moment in her life. 

“I’ve lost my world as she was my only child whom I loved dearly,” she said. 

Phumeza described her daughter as a big personality who loved people, was always kind and respectful. 

She added that her daughter always fought so bravely, going to treatments and still studying with the hopes of one day becoming a lawyer. 

Grosvenor Girls High School learners and staff immediately took to social media to share their condolences. The school described Lihle as someone who brought warmth, kindness and bright spirit into the classroom.

Lihle’s funeral will take place on November 14 at AFM Charisma at 09:30.

Dillon Pillay 1 minute read Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Share via Email Print Support local journalism Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Southlands Sun in Google News and Top Stories.