Gauteng Principal’s Dismissal Upheld After Tragic Drowning of Two Pupils

When two teenagers from Daveyton never made it home from what was supposed to be a discipline camp, an entire community was left grieving. Now, nearly a year later, the consequences have reached the school principal at the heart of the tragedy.

The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) has upheld the dismissal of Bertha Gertrude Nomathemba Letsoele, former principal of Daveyton Skills School, after two learners drowned during an unauthorised school trip in April 2024.

The Tragedy That Sparked the Case

The trip to Rock Falls Adventure Ranch in Centurion was never signed off by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE). Despite this, 15-year-old Siphamandla Peterson and 17-year-old Sibusiso Sibiya joined their peers on the excursion one that ended in disaster when both boys drowned.

In the weeks that followed, grief and anger swept through Daveyton. Parents questioned how an official outing could go ahead without departmental approval, while the GDE promised accountability.

The Case Against the Principal

Disciplinary proceedings against Letsoele began in March 2025. At first, she denied breaching policy, but later admitted she had not followed the required procedures. She argued that she was unaware of the specific rule requiring written permission for school trips.

But arbitrator M.J. Siavhe was not convinced. Citing a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling on remorse, he stressed that true accountability requires full honesty, reflection, and an appreciation of the consequences. In his words, Letsoele’s remorse amounted to “crocodile tears.”

Her previously clean record and years of service did little to sway the outcome. The loss of two young lives, Siavhe ruled, outweighed all mitigating factors.

Why the Dismissal Stands

Siavhe made it clear: as a principal, Letsoele should have known better. By bypassing the rules, she deprived the education department of any chance to put safety measures in place.

“The employee’s infringement deprived the employer opportunity to take preventative action to address the possible risks,” he wrote.

The ruling concluded that keeping Letsoele in her position would expose the department and by extension, learners, to unacceptable risk. Her dismissal was therefore upheld.

Community Reaction: Accountability vs. Compassion

In Daveyton, the case has stirred mixed emotions. On social media, many parents expressed relief that the department took decisive action, saying it sends a strong message about school accountability.

Others, however, questioned whether the punishment alone brings closure. “We lost two children. Firing the principal doesn’t bring them back,” one parent said at a community meeting.

There is also broader frustration about safety at school outings, with calls for the GDE to tighten monitoring and ensure principals are properly trained in excursion protocols.

Beyond the Case: A Wake-Up Call for Schools

The tragedy highlights a recurring concern in South Africa’s schools: are safety regulations just paperwork, or are they truly enforced? Excursions can be valuable for learners, offering experiences beyond the classroom. But when rules are ignored, the risks can be catastrophic.

For parents already anxious about sending their children on school camps or trips, this case is both a warning and a reminder. The hope now is that departments and schools take the lessons seriously, not just by punishing after the fact, but by preventing such tragedies from happening again.

Closing Reflection

Two young boys left home with their school, expecting adventure and discipline lessons, but never returned. For Siphamandla and Sibusiso’s families, justice may feel hollow. For the wider education system, the message is stark: safety rules are not optional.

The dismissal of Principal Letsoele is not just about one person’s failure, it is about ensuring that the next generation of learners is protected, and that trust between schools, parents, and the community is restored.

{Source: IOL}

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