The death of a learner at Huhudi Secondary School in the North West has drawn criticism and attention to corporal punishment in schools.

It is alleged that the learner died after the school principal subjected her to a running punishment after she arrived late for class.

Speaking to SABC News, the family of the deceased learner outlined that their child had no history of fainting, fits or anything of that sort.

“I got into the staff room and found my child lying on the floor, with her shirt off and just her sports bra covering her upper body. It was visible that she had long passed,” deceased’s mother, Kenalemang Mocumi said.

The Grade 10 learner died on Friday, August 8.

On Tuesday, the North West Education MEC, Viola Motsumi visited the family and expressed her condolences and offered the family support.

“We are profoundly saddened by the untimely passing of this young learner. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, relatives, and the entire Huhudi Secondary School community during this incredibly difficult time,” said Motsumi.

“We acknowledge the immense emotional impact of this loss and encourage unity and support among all those affected.”

The department said it deployed its psycho-social support unit to both the school and the family to provide essential trauma counselling and support.

According to the department, the pupil reportedly experienced medical issues and was taken to a local clinic for emergency attention.

The department stated that it was awaiting the finalisation of the post-mortem report by the relevant authorities to determine the specific circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the department will not disclose any further details without their explicit consent,” the department said.

“The North West Department of Education remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all learners and will continue to offer support to the school community during this period of mourning.”

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has come out to condemn the conduct that led to the death of a learner.

“This heartbreaking incident highlights a serious failure in the duty of care owed to every child within our education system,” Makaneta said.

Makaneta said that schools are meant to be safe spaces where learners can thrive.

“Disciplinary practices that endanger learners’ health or dignity have no place in a democratic society which is guided by the Constitution and child protection laws. This learner’s death could have been prevented,” Makaneta said.

“We demand full accountability from the teacher involved along with the school’s leadership and the provincial Department of Education.”

Makaneta called for heads to roll and a thorough investigation, saying that every pupil deserves to feel safe in a classroom.

He said the loss should serve as a wake-up call and that no child should die at school because of “outdated disciplinary measures”.

Spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, Elijah Mhlanga said corporal punishment was a concern for the department.

“The continued use of corporal punishment in schools has been a major concern of the department,” he said.

“As a result of this, the department amended the laws and in the BELA Act, corporal punishment has once again been outlawed and unpacked in detail as to what sort of acts constitute corporal punishment.”

Mhlanga said it was disappointing that teachers continued to act in such a manner even after getting trained and coached on these issues.

“Teachers sign a code of ethics in which they commit to upholding the highest professional standards. Victims of corporal punishment must report to the police and authorities when it happens, it must be condemned by all,” he said.

Responding to the question of what the department is going to do about the issue, Mhlanga said: “It’s not a matter for the department alone. For its part, the department has changed the law as recently as last year through the Bela Act.”

“The misconduct starts with the individual and then goes into the community. Teachers are members of the community, and that’s where the value system is developed.”

Mhlanga called on communities to play an active role of accountability in schools.

“It is not an education matter but a social matter that requires all stakeholders to play their role. The media must expose it, authorities must deal with it, relevant entities like SACE must investigate and punish offenders and society should enforce a culture of nonviolence,” remarked Mhlanga

The police have opened an inquest document.

The Star

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