The student attended PJ Simelane Secondary School in Soweto and was allegedly mocked by his teacher over his sexuality. The teacher has been accused of mocking the student’s sexuality in front of the whole class. EWN reports that the teacher is a woman and that the incident occurred during a speech presentation. The male child who ended his life identified as gay. The teacher reportedly turned the lesson into one about the child’s sexuality. The child decided not to return to school following the traumatic incident and took his own life at home.
The Department has confirmed that they met with the family of the child and the school since the incident and a thorough investigation into the matter is ongoing. A psychosocial unit has also been deployed. Spokesperson for the Department Steve Mabona confirmed that the allegations are being investigated and that a report back at a later stage. “There are allegations which we are ready to continue to investigate as a department. We will make sure we investigate those allegations and report at a later stage on the outcome thereof,” said Mabona.
If you or anyone you know are struggling with thoughts of suicide feel free to contact one of the numbers below:
- Suicide emergency line – 0800567567 (24 hours)
- LifeLine – 0861322322 (24 hours)
- Depression – 0800121314
- Emergency – 112
- Trauma Line – 0800205026
- Mental Health Line – 0112344837
