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Mapepeza
News
Vol. 10 Issue #14: 13-20 October 2023
Thokoza learner commits suicide alleged to bullying
In a somber turn of events, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has announced his plans to visit the bereaved family of Sibusiso Mbatha, a 12-year-old Grade 6 student at Khehlekile Primary School in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni.
The young boy’s life was tragically cut short after he took his own life, allegedly as a result of relentless bullying at his school. The visit, scheduled for Thursday, October 26, aims to extend support and condolences to the heartbroken family of Sibusiso Mbatha. In a heart-wrenching discovery on the evening of Monday, October 23, Sibusiso Mbatha
was found lifeless, having hanged himself in the bathroom of his family’s home. This shocking incident has left the community of Thokoza and the education department in deep mourning.
MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his condolences, stating, “This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our thoughts are with Sibusiso’s family during this difficult time. No family should have to endure the loss of a child, especially under such distressing circumstances.” Chiloane emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to combat bullying in schools, saying, “We must work tirelessly
to ensure that our schools are safe spaces for all learners. We cannot allow any child to suffer in silence or resort to such a tragic outcome.” The MEC’s visit to the Mbatha family not only symbolizes solidarity and support but also underscores the urgent need for measures to prevent bullying and ensure the well-being of students in the Gauteng province. The tragedy of Sibusiso Mbatha’s loss serves as a poignant reminder of the grave consequences of school bullying and the importance of addressing it promptly and effectively .
Commission of Inquiry into Usindiso Building disaster begins The Commission of Inquiry into the Marshalltown fire and hijacked buildings will begin its proceedings from Thursday, October 26 in Parktown Led by Chairperson, Justice Sisi Khampepe, the Commission will be investigating and processing all information and evidence concerning the circumstances surrounding the death of at least 77 people and a dozen more others injured and homeless at the Usindiso building situated at the corner of Albert and Delvers Streets in Marshalltown on 31 August 2023. Following the tragic incident, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, announced the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry into the Marshalltown fire and hijacked buildings. Justice Khampepe will be joined on the commission by Advocate Thulani Makhubela and Vuyelwa Mathilda Mabena. “The commission will investigate the prevalence of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, what caused the deadly blaze in Marshalltown, and who must shoulder total responsibility for this tragedy. “In Johannesburg, the issue of stolen buildings is becoming a crisis, necessitating drastic action. A thorough intervention is required to ensure that disasters like the Marshalltown fire, one of the deadliest in recent memory, never happen again,” Lesufi said.
To gather essential information and evidence, Chairperson Khampepe has issued an open invitation to the public.
"Any person who provides information and wishes to remain anonymous, the Commission will respect the decision and keep their identity confidential." Information can be submitted to the Commission Offices in Johannesburg's Sunnyside Office Park, Parktown or by calling the Commission at 067 421 3694 to make arrangements for the purpose of making a statement under oath or handing over the evidence. Notably, the Commission respects the confidentiality of those who remain anonymous. Recognising the significant pain and trauma experienced by the victims and their families, the Commission is committed to providing psychological support during and after the proceedings.
The Commission’s work will be guided by the scope as appears in the Terms of Reference (hereinafter referred to as TORs) published in Provincial Gazette, Extraordinary No. 324 of 13 September 2023. On national level, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will lead the task of identifying all hijacked buildings in the country, as well as indicate what should be done with all those properties. As the department responsible for State property management, the department was already in the process of identifying misappropriated State properties within its own asset register. Out of 29 000 buildings in the department’s asset register throughout the country, the department has embarked on a process to recover some 1 260 properties that have been flagged as being illegally occupied under Operation Bring Back.
"The purpose of the Commission's activities is to assist the victims in finding closure, also understanding that the process may cause them more distress. "Psychological support to the victims and the Commission through and after the proceedings. The Commission explained that the task will be executed with the diligence and sensitivity that it requires," the Commission explained.
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