A sombre mood hung in the classroom where the life and legacy of slain teen Zanton Basson was celebrated by his classmates on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old Rocklands High School learner died in November after he was stabbed in the chest during an altercation with 22-year-old Micarlo Grove.
Zanton would’ve been in matric this year, and would also have turned 18 on Wednesday.
Coincidentally, it is also the day that his classmates wrote his favourite subject, geography.
His ouma Glynnis told the Daily Voice that Zanton loved school and had great plans for the youth.
“As a Junior City Council member and junior ward councillor of Rocklands, he wanted to eradicate gangsterism and focus on getting the youth off the streets,” she said.
The family released 18 balloons at his grave site before joining his friends for the party.
Learner Jason Petersen, 19, said Zanton was everyone’s tjommie and made a great impact.
“He was just so humble, kind, and always helpful, we really do miss him,” Jason added.
Alex Leak, 19, gave a moving speech, telling the family: “He was always happy and full of energy. Thank you for including us in his celebration.”
Teacher Fazlin Isaacs said she looked forward to having Zanton in her class as he was a good student.
“We still remember him and there is still a poster of him in the class. Zanton was a learner that always stood up for his peers and never said no to helping,” Isaacs added.
His former teacher Liesl Moosa said: “His death impacted us so much. He is truly missed.”