Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
04 March 2025
The MEC for Education, Ms Cathy Dlamini, visited Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School in eMbalenhle on Monday, 03 March 2025.
This visit follows a tragic incident in which a matric learner succumbed to injuries after being stabbed by a grade 10 learner outside the school premises on Thursday, 27 February 2025.
The MEC received a detailed report on the circumstances surrounding the incident from the school principal, SGB chairperson, and other stakeholders.
“I would have loved to visit the school under normal circumstances because that is usually what I do. I am standing in front of you all, asking myself why a grade 10 learner had a knife with him or if he had planned this incident,” said MEC Dlamini while addressing the teachers from Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School.
The Department condemns in the strongest possible terms all forms of violence, bullying, and the trafficking of weapons in schools. No learner should ever feel threatened or unsafe in a space that is meant for learning and teaching.
MEC Dlamini also addressed this issue of learners being instructed to search other learners. “Teachers should work hand in hand with the SAPS because our learners are not trained to do those duties,” she said.
The MEC later visited the bereaved family in Evander to support the grieving family during this heartbreaking time.
“We might not understand what the family is going through during this difficult time, but we want to ensure that you have our support.
I might not be here physically, but I am with the family spiritually and in our prayers,” said MEC Dlamini.
MMC for energy in Govan Mbeki Municipality, Cllr Jabu Zwane also shared words of support on behalf of the Executive Mayor that as the Municipality, they pledge support for the family during this difficult time.
Officials from the Inclusive Education and Wellness Section have been deployed to the school as well to provide psychosocial support to those affected by this tragic incident.
“We are heartbroken as a family because this news came as a shock to us. We were not expecting this tragic incident, but it could have happened to anyone, or rather, to any family.
We also appreciate the visit from the MEC for Education and other stakeholders to comfort us during this difficult time. We ask that the MEC and the team strengthen the security at schools because this incident can happen to anyone,” said Ntsako Mushwana, uncle of the deceased.
The memorial service of the late Tumisho Kevin Madikgetla will be held on Wednesday, 05 March 2025 at about 12:30pm, at House of Praise Church (opposite the school).
