Tragedy opens gate to learning

The death of Gloria Sekwena inspired her two sons to achieve the dream she had for them - to get an education.

Kgositsile and Mosimane Sekwena said they were working hard to honour the memory of their mother, who was killed in a stampede after queuing for hours outside the University of Johannesburg in 2012.

"It hasn't been easy, but we are okay," said Kgositsile, 20, who was queueing with his mother, to submit his application, on the day she died.

She had flown in from London, where she worked as a nurse.

The entrance at which Sekwena died was yesterday officially named after her by the university.

"Time heals all wounds but this will forever remain my scar," said Kgositsile, before looking up into the sky as the UJ choir sang a sombre hymn.

Mosimane, 19, added: "She has left us a legacy. We are going to continue to spread the importance of education in her name."

The boys' father and husband to Gloria for 20 years, Joseph, said the sacrifice his wife made was not only for his sons, but all South Africa's children.

He said: "Her death was not in vain because through it the university does not accept walk-in late applications any more.

"This will spare other families from going through the same pain as ours."

Their sons are studying at the Midrand Graduate Institute. Mosimane is doing a BCom, while Kgositsile is studying psychology.

"I want to help others the way I was helped to deal with my mom's death," he said.

UJ vice-chancellor and principal Ihron Rensburg said the renamed gate gave new meaning to the university.

"The millions who walk through this entrance will ask who Gloria Sekwena is, and know of the sacrifice made for them to be there," he said.