Tebogo Msimanga |
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) on Friday announced that the South African Council for Educators (SACE) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Grade 9 learner from PJ Simelane Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto on 16 August 2022.
It is alleged that the learner was discriminated against for his sexual orientation by a student teacher in class during an oral presentation in full view of other classmates.
Gauteng Education Spokesperson said in the meantime the department has withdrawn the said Student Teacher from her duties and SACE investigating officer has been appointed to probe this matter. “Accordingly, the SACE investigator has already interacted with our District officials to assist with the investigation.The GDE has since dispatched a Safety Coordinator to the school for support regarding bullying, safety, and advocacy on gender-based issues”.
Mabona added that their Psycho-Social Unit also deployed a team of psychologists to provide counselling to learners at the school.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said they strongly condemn any discrimination by both learners and educators, “and we wish to remind all schools that any form of abuse will not be tolerated in our environment”.
