Not even the bitter chill could keep Professor Jonathan Jansen from a heartwarming mission on Wednesday.
The vice-chancellor of the University of the Free State made a surprise visit to Riebeeck College for Girls in Uitenhage to comfort and inspire the learners of murdered teacher Jayde Panayiotou.
School principal Marilyn Woods said Professor Jansen had spoken to the girls for about half an hour, and that he had brought with him a message of healing and hope.
"We kept saying to them about their potential, every child has potential. He told the story about when he was told by a teacher that he had potential and how it had such a meaningful impact in his life when he believed in himself, so he kept telling them you are better than what you think you are."
Principal Woods said they had been able to instill a sense of normality at the school in the wake of Jayde's murder and that the girls were currently sitting for their mid-year exams.
