Grade 10 Student Dies After Being Forced to Run as Punishment
A 16-year-old Grade 10 pupil from Vryburg, North West, tragically died after being compelled to run as a form of punishment for arriving late to class at Huhudi High School.
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Incident Occurred During Lesson Transition
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened while learners were waiting for a teacher to take over a lesson.
Some students, including the deceased, stepped outside the classroom. The school principal reportedly found them outside and ordered them to run around the schoolyard as a disciplinary measure.
Education Activist Condemns the Punishment
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta strongly condemned the punishment, describing it as a serious failure in the duty of care owed to learners in South Africa.
“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 guided by the Constitution and child protection laws. This learner’s death could have been prevented,” Makaneta said.
Calls for Accountability and Support
Makaneta urged for full accountability from the teacher involved, the school leadership, and the provincial Department of Education. He also called for immediate support for the bereaved family.
“Justice must be served not only for the family, but for every learner who deserves to feel safe in a classroom,” he added.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are expected to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the learner’s death and the disciplinary methods used at the school.