Inspiration to build a monument in memory of the 13 teenagers killed in the Throb Night Club disaster came to a Durban stone mason, Thomas Keller, when he learned of the tragedy.
The monument was unveiled on Sunday in the midst of prayers, tears and much sadness as parents remembered their children who were killed.
Keller was discussing the tragedy with members of the Chatsworth Community Distress Committee when he decided to build and sponsor the monument.
"I was inspired at that moment and felt that the monument should depict three tiers of life.
"The first tier represents birth, the second is primary school life and the third is high school life to adulthood," he said.
Keller explained what the monument symbolised. "The pyramid symbolises life in its entire form.
"The apex was deliberately broken off and that symbolises that the children who were at the night club still had their future and life before them," he said.
"It suddenly comes to a dead stop on top because of what happened at the night club. That is why the final bit is left undefined.
"The children's lives were cut short dramatically and tragically," said Keller.
Hundreds of people turned up for the all-faith service, which was held under dark, heavy clouds.
Committee chairperson and KwaZulu-Natal Minister of Agriculture Narend Singh said that a total of R520 503 was collected.
Local attorney Siven Samuels and a team of hard-working professionals have been administering the fund.
Singh said that R10 000 would be used to help bereaved families and R40 000 would be used for the medical needs of two survivors of the tragedy.
The Chatsworth Community Youth Development Trust has also been established to further the cause of the youngsters of Chatsworth.
Community activist Roy Padayachee said that people were coming to terms with the tragedy.
"However, all the parents are still suffering the loss of their children and it (the healing process) is not going to be an easy process," said Padayachee.
But support groups and activists have offered their services to the families.
It was an extremely moving moment as families of victims and pupils from various schools walked up to view the monument and pay their respects to the 13 children who died.
