Today, Gauteng education department MEC Matome Chiloane presented the findings of the investigation at Khehlekile Primary School in Thokoza, east of Johannesburg, where 12-year-Sibusiso Mbatha attended.
Sibusiso hanged himself last month after restlessness homophobic taunts at school reached unbearable heights. The report by an independent law firm, BR Rangata Attorneys, pointed the accusing finger at the deputy principal as the main tormentor. But the report blamed the school leadership, including the principal, an HOD and a class teacher for failing to take action to protect Sibusiso from gender-based harassment at school.
So bad was the youngster’s time at school that even after his death a teacher named as Sony Dlamini came around to taunt the grieving family. Dlamini is alleged to have told the family: “I told him to leave his gayness.”
Not so many uncaring people the public trusts and pays to teach, guide and inspire our children have ganged up in this callous manner to claim the moegoe title.
