Gauteng Education Gives Law Firm Two Weeks To Uncover What Happened To Grade R Learner

The heartbreak surrounding the death of Grade R learner Manqoba Mnisi has taken another turn, with the Gauteng Department of Education appointing an independent law firm and giving it just two weeks to unearth the truth. For a family still reeling from confusion and grief, the hope is that this investigation will finally bring clarity.

A Community Struggling To Understand A Child’s Final Moments

Manqoba, who lived in Jabulani, Soweto, died on 2 February after sustaining injuries on the premises of Bernard Isaacs Primary School in Coronationville. What happened between the time he arrived at school and the moment he was rushed to hospital remains deeply disputed.

Initially, his mother, Bongiwe Mnisi, says she was simply told there had been “an incident” at the school and that she needed to come immediately. No details. No context.

Even when she was picked up to go to the hospital, the silence continued.

By the time her son passed away, she still had no understanding of how he ended up fighting for his life.

Conflicting Stories Make A Painful Situation Worse

The school reportedly told Bongiwe that Manqoba had collapsed near the toilets and that CPR had been attempted. But days later, she received a WhatsApp message from an unknown sender alleging something far more disturbing: that her child had been locked alone inside a classroom, attempted to escape through a window, became stuck and died.

The message suggested it was a passer-by who eventually alerted the school.

For a grieving mother, the shock was overwhelming.

“It’s very painful and difficult for me to understand and accept what happened. I can’t sleep at night,” she said.

Manqoba was buried in Soweto on 14 February.

Department Orders An Independent Probe

Realising that the information flowing from the school was contradictory and incomplete, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane appointed Buthelezi-Vilakazi Incorporated to conduct a full investigation. He personally introduced the law firm to the Mnisi family before meeting with the school’s management and governing body.

The law firm’s mandate is wide-ranging and includes:

• Investigating the allegations surrounding Manqoba’s death

• Interviewing teachers, management, parents, security officers, community members and learners

• Examining conduct by the principal, educators and support staff

• Determining whether the incident was reported properly

• Establishing the cause of death

• Assessing whether any staff members failed in their legal duty of care

• Identifying whether the Department of Education may be liable

• Checking for broader safety issues at the school

• Determining whether counselling was provided or still needed

The final report must include clear findings and actionable recommendations relating to school safety laws, the Children’s Act, and the South African Schools Act.

Gauteng Education Vows Action

Chiloane says the department is committed to transparency, accountability and supporting the Mnisi family through a difficult process.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to establishing the truth. We have full confidence in the independence and capability of Buthelezi-Vilakazi Incorporated,” he said.

He also emphasised that any findings will be acted upon decisively.

Schools As Safe Spaces: A National Conversation Renewed

The tragedy has reignited conversations about school safety, especially for younger learners who require constant supervision. Coronationville is one of many Joburg communities where parents rely heavily on teachers to protect their children during the school day.

Stories like Manqoba’s shake that trust.

For many families, the two-week investigation will feel long, but it may be the only path to the full truth.

{Source:IOL}

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