Gauteng school principal suspended following learner’s death

The Gauteng Department of Education has suspended the principal of El-Shaddai Independent School in Vanderbijlpark following the death of a Grade 10 learner who allegedly faced bullying at the school. The incident occurred in the Sedibeng West District. GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed the suspension on Wednesday.

“Investigations continue. We and the school await a police investigation and preliminary report. As a precaution, the principal is suspended pending an investigation on bullying allegations,” Mabona said.

The learner, 16-year-old Lerato Mochadibane, reportedly took his own life after months of alleged bullying, which his parents said had been reported to teachers and the principal. Lerato fell sick at home on 6 November 2025 and was certified dead on arrival by emergency services. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Department has dispatched psychosocial support teams to provide counselling and emotional assistance to the family, learners, and staff. Gauteng Department of Education MEC Chiloane said, “We are heartbroken by this tragic incident. The Department extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and the school community.”

Lerato’s father, Oupa Khoeli, told journalists that his son had been bullied by a group of classmates for several months before his death. “Last Saturday, while Lerato attended extra classes, he wore a cap he had received from a camp earlier this year. Lerato and his friend had exchanged caps. When he arrived at school, three boys confronted him. One claimed the cap was his. They ganged up on him. One strangled him, another took the cap, and the third assaulted him,” Khoeli said.

Khoeli said Lerato phoned him after the incident. He went to the school with another son but said the school initially failed to act. The principal returned on Monday and called the boys to the office. “The learners made up a story to make Lerato look bad, but his witness confirmed Lerato’s version. The principal told the three that after writing their exam that day, they should collect suspension letters,” Khoeli said.

The father added that the bullying began in 2022 after Lerato moved from a boarding school. “When I used to take him to school, he felt protected. The bullying began in Grade 8 and continued until Grade 10. I enrolled him there because of their good academic record. I wanted the best for him,” Khoeli said.

National Association of School Governing Bodies general secretary Matakanye Matakanye called for stronger action against bullying and better mental health support in schools. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and the community. Schools must have systems where learners can safely report bullying before tragedies happen,” he said.

Social media users expressed grief and anger, urging parents, teachers, and schools to do more to protect learners.

Members of the Congress of South Africa Students (Cosas) plan to stage a protest outside El-Shaddai Independent School at 7 am on Thursday. They will be joined by the SANCO Youth Desk Sedibeng region. Amohelang Mokoena of Cosas Sedibeng said, “Justice for Lerato, end bullying now! No school must protect bullies. No teacher must ignore abuse. We demand justice. We demand answers. We demand safety for all learners.”