Sibusiso Mbatha: Probe finds teacher’s alleged homophobia drove pupil to suicide
An investigation ordered by the Gauteng Education MEC revealed substantial evidence supporting allegations of emotional and homophobic abuse, by the deputy principal at Khehlekile Primary School towards Mbatha, contributed to his decision to end his life.
Sibusiso Mbatha, a grade 6 pupil at the Thokoza school, died by suicide last month after he was allegedly told by the teacher to leave his "gay tendencies" outside the school gate.
It’s alleged the teacher admitted to making the statements.
On Thursday, MEC Matome Chiloane released the report by Rangata Attorneys who he appointed to probe the role of the teacher and the school in the incident.
READ: Chiloane appoints Rangata Attorneys to probe Grade 6 pupil’s death
“The allegations of emotional and homophobic abuse against the learner, by the deputy principal, are substantiated by the evidence that is given to us through questioning and interviewing all the witnesses.
“We also found that the processes that were used by the class teachers and the [head of department] in handling the matter when the child had altercations with a classmate was [not proper],” said attorney and lead investigator Baitseng Rangata.
The report further found that the teacher in question failed to follow protocol and record the incident in the relevant records and that the principal failed to uphold his duties by failing to alert members of the school governing body and rather prioritised other members of the community.
[WATCH]: Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano outlined the findings of the investigative report and committed to fulfilling the recommendations made in the report. MEC also spoke about plans to curb the scourge of self-harm at Gauteng schools. pic.twitter.com/koFLBxiUoe
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) November 16, 2023
“We also found that the teachers, in their conduct, being the employees of the department means the department becomes vicariously liable. This is a legal matter which is regulated in terms of the South African Schools Act. The responsibility and liability will still need to be looked into,” continued Rangata.
The report recommends that the deputy principal should be placed on precautionary suspension.
“…and a charge sheet be set on him to appear before a disciplinary inquiry for ill-treating, blaspheming, homophobically abusing the deceased and also making utterances that caused the death of the learner.”
Furthermore, the recommendations are that the principal, HOD, and class teacher should be charged and face disciplinary processes.
Mbatha’s mother Mpumi says the findings have re-opened the wound of losing her son.
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