Mapaballo Borotho

- A Grade 10 learner from Huhudi High School in Vryburg died after being forced to run as punishment for being late to class.
- Witnesses say the principal instructed her and other learners to run around the schoolyard.
- Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has called for accountability, an investigation, and justice for the family.
A Grade 10 learner from Vryburg, North West, has died after being forced to run as punishment for arriving late to class.
The 16-year-old was a pupil at Huhudi High School.
According to media reports, witnesses say the incident occurred while learners were waiting for a teacher to take over a lesson.
Some, including the deceased, stepped outside the classroom. The principal allegedly found them outside and instructed them to run around the schoolyard as a form of discipline.
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta described the tragedy as a grave failure in the duty of care owed to learners in South Africa’s education system.
“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.
He called for full accountability from the teacher involved, the school leadership, and the provincial Department of Education, as well as immediate support for the grieving family.
“Justice must be served not only for the family, but for every learner who deserves to feel safe in a classroom,” he added.
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