Nardini Sister Mary Ann Thole died in a fire on April 1, 2007. She helped save 6 patients from a fire at the Maria Ratschitz Catholic Mission in Dundee. She went back in to try and save the others but was overcome by the flames and died aged 35. Sister Thole was a past pupil of St Catherine’s in Empangeni.
Deidre Bevan, Librarian at Holy Family College in Durban, applied for Sister Thole to receive The Order of Mendi for Bravery in her capacity as Chairlady of the St Catherine’s Past Pupils Association. The order is granted by the president of South Africa, for bravery in saving lives or property.
Mr Karl Thole, Sister Thole’s brother, proudly received the Posthumous Award, which included a scroll and medal, from President Cyril Ramaphosa on her behalf at the presentation of the 2023 National Orders at Sefako Makgatho Guest House in Tshwane.
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