Siyabonga Mnisi’s family mourn his death instead of celebrating Grade R graduation

JOHANNESBURG - What was meant to be a day of celebration has been marred by sorrow for five-year-old Siyabonga Mnisi’s family, following the child’s death from suspected food contamination.

Siyabonga was meant to graduate Grade R at Dumezweni Primary School on Friday in Diepkloof, Soweto, however, the event has been postponed following his untimely death.

The child died on Wednesday after allegedly consuming snacks from a spaza shop in the area.

Siyabonga Mnisi was looking forward to graduating from Grade R  on Friday but instead of attending the joyous celebration, his family are at the mortuary.

On Monday, he sent his father a voice note about his graduation.

 "Dad, I'll be graduating on Friday, please come watch me. I will be speaking English and they say parents must be there, please attend."

His mother, Thandeka, said that she's been upset about comments made on social media, claiming Siyabonga's father wasn't present in his life.

She said the only reason he sent a voice note was because he didn't live with his father, who was an amazing man who did a lot for his son.