By OBAKENG MAJE
12 August 2025- The ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region said it simultaneously extends and expresses its heartfelt condolences and unwavering solidarity to the family and schoolmates of Grade 10 learner, Amantle Mocumi, who tragically passed away on 8 August 2025.
The ANCYL Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Regional Task Team coordinator, Kagiso Kgabo said they are highly disappointed, disgusted and flabbergasted by the manner in which the North West Department of Education and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region is handling this sensitive matter.
Kgabo said the North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi and Dr RSM District Director, Mojakhumo Dithejane, must refrain from covering-up and protecting the irresponsible principal at the expense of a lost life.
“We are making a clarion call to Motsumi to accelerate the process of initiating forensic investigation and suspend the principal with immediate effect pending outcomes of the much anticipated investigation into the tragic death of Amantle.
“Motsumi must stop shooting videos dancing and twerking to Lekompo hits and urgently attend to this matter. The department must offer psychological support to the affected learners,” he said.
Kgabo further calls on educational psychologists to descend to Ganyesa. He added that, the departmental officials are comfortably sitting in well-furnished air-conditioned offices enjoying and utilizing free Wi-Fi, while lives are being lost.
“Consequence management and justice must prevail,” said Kgabo.
The Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta shared the same sentiments. Makaneta told SABC News that the untimely death of Amantle is a cause for great concern.
“There is no doubt that corporal punishment has been redefined by BELA Act, whereby it should not be used as a force of violence against the learners.
“We cannot have this type of approach or discipline that actually takes away the dignity of a child. Corporal punishment has been defined under the new law. However, it is most unfortunate that teachers in various schools apply this disciplinary measure, which you find not in line with the laws of the country,” he said.
Makaneta said they call on all law enforcement agencies to work around the clock to ensure that justice is served for the deceased learner. He also calls on the North West Department of Education to take South Africans in confidence and come out clear in terms of what actions will be taken against the school and in particular against the teacher who is found wanting.
“Actions should be taken against the teacher who ensured that this type of punishment was administered. There is clearly a need for justice to prevail because if you look at it thoroughly, the demise of the learner could have been prevented if the authority in the school did something, instead of making learners run without knowing their medical conditions.
“So, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and District officials should go to the school and redefine their position to what could happen next,” said Makaneta.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a learner. According to preliminary reports, the learner experienced a medical emergency during school hours.
“The principal immediately notified the learner’s parents and called for an ambulance. The learner’s mother arrived at the school, while awaiting emergency services and together with a teacher, transported the learner to the nearest clinic, where she sadly passed away.”
The Guardian 