Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has condemned the use of harsh punishment on a North West learner that allegedly led to her death.

Makaneta says this is in violation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which sets clear guidelines for lawful and humane disciplinary practices in South African schools.

It is alleged that the Grade 10 learner collapsed and died after being punished for arriving late for school.

Video | Mocumi family mourns death of Grade 10 learner:

The learner was reportedly forced to run around the school building as a form of discipline.

Makaneta says, “There’s really a need for the Department of Education to come out very clearly. In terms of what actions are they going to be taking against the school and the educator who’s found wanting. And the one who ensure that this kind of punishment was administered on the learner. We feel that there’s really a need for justice to prevail.”

Video | Hendrick Makaneta on disciplinary methods in schools: