The DA will be writing to the MEC of Education, Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya demanding an inquiry by Limpopo Department of Education (LDoE), as well as immediate disciplinary steps being taken against the grade R teacher and principal at Maswahlene Lower Primary School and the District Director – Capricorn North for their gross neglect in upholding the constitution and protecting 5 year old Ditiro Malatji’s well-being.
On Wednesday the 17th July 2024, Grade R learner Ditiro Malatji was allegedly locked up in the classroom when the school closed for the day by his grade R teacher. The family frantically searched and rescued little Ditiro at 21:00 in the evening when they found the terrified learner locked up in his school classroom.
There have seemingly been other incidents concerning the young learner. In February the learner was allegedly left alone and unattended in his classroom and was only found much later by the transport driver and other teachers, and on the 31st of May after a grade R trip the child did not return home at the expected time and he was found forgotten and asleep on the bus later that night.
Despite these numerous incidents of negligence, the school has failed to move Ditiro to another teacher’s classroom and to provide psycho-social support despite committing to it.
When family members and parents sought action to be taken for what happened at the school, The District Director for Capricorn North allegedly brushed the incident off saying if the parents are not pleased in how the department is handling the matter” they should vacate their child and move him to Gauteng “. The school officials have also allegedly downplayed the incidents as mistakes and refused to provide a written apology.
Educators are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of learners and ensure they are not negligent or indolent in the performance of their professional duties. Section 29(1) of the Constitution contains the right to basic education, The Department and Schools are responsible to make sure that our learners are educated in a safe environment and are protected at all times.
The DA will continue to monitor this issue and make sure that all responsible role players that were at fault will be held accountable.