Motsumi sheds tears for late matriculant Booi

By Molaole Montsho

North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi was overcome with emotion as she handed over a statement of results and a certificate of recognition to the parents of late matriculant Onalenna Booi.

Booi passed away on December,30, 2025, after he was reportedly forcefully taken to an initiation school.

“This learner wrote and completed the examination like all other learners …sadly, we received news that he passed away in December last year.

“He had made it. He passed with a bachelor’s,” she said, wiping tears from her eyes.

As Booi’s parents ascended the stage to receive his statement of results and certificate of recognition, a brass band played a soft hymn while Motsumi struggled to regain her composure.

The packed hall fell into silence. Tears welled up in the eyes of many in the audience; some took deep breaths to steady themselves, while others quietly stepped outside.

Before handing over the certificate, Motsumi read a Bible verse: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

She dedicated the verse to all candidates who had passed away before or after completing their matric examinations.

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Molapisi, extended condolences to the Booi family following the death of their child, Onalenna Booi.

Nineteen-year-old Booi died after undergoing the customary initiation at Dithakong village in Mahikeng. It is alleged that he was forcefully initiated and collapsed during the pass-out ceremony. He was later certified dead at the home of the initiation principal.

Booi’s death brings the total number of initiates who have died during this summer initiation season to three.